Israeli Handball League Kicks Off With Wins for Top Teams

The 2026/27 Israeli handball league season commenced on Friday with the traditional Winner Judges Cup tournament. This season features 13 teams, divided into four groups. In Group A, Hapoel Rishon LeZion, the defending cup holder, defeated Maccabi Beer Sheva 32:26. Rishon LeZion, which recently re-signed veteran Oleg Astashenko, took a narrow halftime lead and extended it in the second half, securing a decisive victory.

Also in Group A, Maccabi Holon overcame Hapoel Arad 32:24. Arad, a newly promoted team, put up a fight in the first half but Holon proved stronger in the second. This sets up a crucial match between Hapoel Rishon LeZion and Maccabi Holon to determine who advances to the semifinals.

In Group B, AS Ramat HaSharon, the league champion, defeated Bnei Herzliya 39:29. Ramat HaSharon established a lead in the first half and maintained control throughout the second, starting their season with a strong performance. In Group C, Maccabi Tel Aviv began their campaign with a 34:29 victory over Hapoel Ashdod. The Tel Aviv team, with new coach Avitar Givon, led for most of the game.

Group D saw a dramatic finish as Maccabi Kiryat Motzkin, returning to the top league after a year's absence, secured a thrilling 32:31 win against Ironi Rehovot with a last-second goal from Ido Tal. The match was close throughout, with Kiryat Motzkin ultimately prevailing in their official return to the Premier League.