Hapoel Tel Aviv and Beitar Jerusalem drawn for a blockbuster opening match in the Israeli Premier League

The Israeli Premier League published the schedule for the 2026/27 season on Wednesday morning, and the headline fixture comes immediately in round one: Beitar Jerusalem will host Hapoel Tel Aviv in a high-voltage clash that is expected to set the tone for the new campaign.

The article says the meeting revives one of the oldest and most emotionally charged rivalries in Israeli football. For Beitar, it is an early test of ambition, while Hapoel Tel Aviv enters the season determined to show that it has returned to its natural place near the top of the standings. The matchup is expected to bring intense pressure, high adrenaline and loud support from the stands.

Beyond the opening weekend, the full schedule points to a packed first month. In round two, Maccabi Haifa will face Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Israeli clasico. Round three brings Maccabi Tel Aviv against the reigning champion Hapoel Be'er Sheva, and round four features the Tel Aviv derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv.

The schedule is described as especially difficult for Maccabi Tel Aviv. Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Be'er Sheva, the champion and runner-up last season, are also set to meet in rounds 13 and 26, marking the end of the first and second halves of the league season. The article notes that Be'er Sheva won its sixth championship in a dramatic finish last year.