Israeli Handball League Kicks Off With 13 Teams, New Entrants

The Israeli "Winner" handball league is set to begin its new season on Friday, featuring 13 teams. Hapoel Arad and Maccabi Kiryat Motzkin have been promoted to the top division. The league's promotion and relegation system was frozen this season due to the "Protective Edge" operation, meaning no teams were relegated.

The opening round's marquee matchup pits Hapoel Ashdod against Maccabi Tel Aviv, a game that will be broadcast live on Sport 5+. The two teams recently met in the Winner Cup, with Maccabi Tel Aviv securing a 34-29 victory. Maccabi Tel Aviv, recently eliminated from European competition, will aim to rebound in the domestic league, while Ashdod, bolstered by the return of the Cohen brothers, Adir and Naor, seeks a strong home start.

Other opening day fixtures include Hapoel Arad making its historic league debut against Hapoel Rishon LeZion. Maccabi Beer Sheva, which narrowly avoided relegation last season, will host Maccabi Holon. Holon has had a strong start to its season, advancing in both domestic cup and European competitions. Ironi Rehovot will play host to newly promoted Maccabi Kiryat Motzkin, a rematch from an earlier close encounter in the Winner Cup.

The reigning champion and double winner, AS Ramat Hasharon, will begin its title defense against Hapoel Kiryat Ono. Ramat Hasharon has largely retained its championship-winning roster, adding two key players from Hapoel Rishon LeZion. The match between Maccabi Rishon LeZion and Bnei Herzliya has been postponed to September 29th due to Maccabi Rishon LeZion's European commitments. Maccabi Ness Ziona will have a bye in the first round.