Yonatan Alon Named Sporting Director of Hapoel HaEmek

Hapoel HaEmek announced on Tuesday that Yonatan Alon has been appointed the club’s sporting director after leaving Hapoel Jerusalem at the end of the season. Alon arrives in northern Israel after three years as Hapoel Jerusalem’s head coach, a role in which he led the team to the State Cup final in the 2023/24 season. Before that, he also served as Jerusalem’s sporting director.

He will now work alongside head coach Sharon Aharoni. Alon said he is “proud and excited” to join Hapoel HaEmek, calling it “a club with a clear vision, quality people and big ambitions.” He said the goal is to build a strong professional culture that will underpin success for years, and to make Hapoel HaEmek an attractive destination for players, coaches and professionals.

Alon added that the club wants not only a good team for the coming season, but also a stable professional system that will keep growing and improving year after year. Club owner Gideon Yadin said the club was “very happy” to bring in Alon, who he said will strengthen the team’s professional foundation and help the staff and support structure become more effective and professional.

Club CEO Michal Verdiger said Hapoel HaEmek is an ambitious club in basketball, fan engagement and community, and welcomed Alon’s arrival as part of an effort to advance professionally with a committed staff.