Israeli Sports

Down the yellow-and-black road: Beitar Jerusalem’s title dream takes shape

Beitar, for the first time in what seemed to be eons, was atop the table with the season having just completed Matchday 19, as it took over sole possession of first place.

BEITAR JERUSALEM coach Barak Itzhaki has quietly guided the yellow-and-black from early-season promise to an unlikely place atop the Israel Premier League table at midseason.

Hapoel Tel Aviv earns Euroleague triumph

HAPOEL TEL AVIV guard Chris Jones celebrates after scoring two of his team-high 16 points in the Reds’ 71-66 Euroleague victory over Anadolu Efes in Bulgaria.

Beitar Jerusalem moves into top spot

HAPOEL TEL AVIV’S Liran Rotman assisted on the winning goal and made up for his penalty miss in last week’s derby as the Reds beat Hapoel Beersheba 2-1 at Bloomfield.

Avdija nets 30 in winning return for Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija drives past the Sacramento Kings’ Precious Achiuwa during the Blazers’ 117-110 victory over the host Kings.

Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Tel Aviv deliver duo Euroleague victories

Maccabi survives late Zalgiris push at home as Hapoel rallies past ASVEL on the road in Euroleague basketball matches.

JANUARY 18, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

MACCABI TEL AVIV guard Tre Clark is all smiles during the yellow-and-blue’s 100-97 Euroleague home victory over Zalgiris at Menora Mivtachim Arena.

Deni Avdija nears Portland Trailblazers NBA return following injury

Portland forward Deni Avdija is close to returning after missing one game with lower-back soreness, as his strong season keeps him in the All-Star conversation.

JANUARY 16, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF

IN HIS sixth NBA season, Israeli forward has taken a big leap with the Portland Trail Blazers and is favored to make his first All-Star Game.

Maccabi Tel Aviv survives derby, State Cup quarterfinals set

Derbies, upsets, and penalty drama, the Israel State Cup delivers again as Maccabi Tel Aviv, Jaffa, and Bnei Yehuda advance to the quarterfinals.

JANUARY 16, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

MACCABI TEL AVIV ’keeper Ofek Melika makes a save during the penalty shoot-out of the yellow-and-blue’s 1-1 (5-4) State Cup victory over Hapoel Tel Aviv to advance to the quarterfinals

Israel's Manor Solomon enjoying life playing for Fiorentina

Israeli winger Manor Solomon was unveiled as a Fiorentina player, discussing his move to Serie A, differences between leagues, and his focus on football rather than politics.

JANUARY 16, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF

Manor Solomon of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and AC Milan at Artemio Franchi on January 11, 2026 in Florence, Italy.

‘It’s a marathon, not a sprint’: Zalgiris, Lo eye big night vs Maccabi Tel Aviv

The Lithuanian squad was in Israel just a couple of weeks ago, and came away with a win over Hapoel Tel Aviv. It would like to replicate that success after splitting its last two Euroleague games.

JANUARY 15, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

ZALGIRIS GUARD Maodo Lo (in red), a veteran of top European clubs and a regular member of the German national team, brings extensive international experience into tonight’s Euroeague matchup against host Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Israeli MMA fighter Shimon Smotritsky earns unanimous decision win at 559 Fights 120 - interview

"When I fight like myself, freely, and without trying to entertain someone or try to hype the crowd up and do all this nonsense, I’m the best version of myself," Smotritsky says.

JANUARY 13, 2026BySAM HALPERN

Shimon Smotritsky (left) and James Porter at the weigh-ins ahead of their match at the 559 Fights 120 event in Porterville, California.

Maccabi Tel Aviv defeats Hapoel Jerusalem

Hapoel Tel Aviv handles Ramat Gan • Beersheba beats Galil Elyon • Herliya downs Ness Ziona

JANUARY 12, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

MACCABI TEL AVIV teammates Roman Sorkin (left) and Oshae Brissett celebrate after a basket during their team’s 95-84 win over Hapoel Jerusalem over the weekend.

Beitar Jerusalem grabs share of first place in win against Maccabi Bnei Reineh

Beersheba still tops table on goal difference • Macaabi Tel Aviv edges Sakhnin • Hapoel Haifa, Hapoel TA draw

JANUARY 11, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

BEITAR JERUSALEM players celebrate with Timoti Muzie (center) after his 33rd-minute tally provided all the scoring in Beitar’s 1-0 win over Maccabi Bnei Reineh.

Jerusalem marathon 2026 to offer special benefits for IDF reservists

The 15th Jerusalem Marathon, scheduled for March 27, offers special discounts for IDF reservists and security forces.

JANUARY 9, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF

MARATHON DAY in Jerusalem is always one of the most energetic and fun experiences of the year throughout the capital.

Built for the big moments: Carrington leads Hapoel Jerusalem’s recent surge

The naturalized Israeli is in the midst of this third season with the capital city Reds and has been nothing less than a consummate professional, one of the leaders of the team.

JANUARY 8, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

VETERAN GUARD Khadeen Carrington has become the heartbeat of Hapoel Jerusalem, delivering his biggest games when the stakes are the highest.