Netanyahu to Attend Soccer Match Amid Election Campaign, Facing Legal Challenge

Beitar Jerusalem is set to host Maccabi Tel Aviv in a highly anticipated match at Teddy Stadium on Monday evening. The game is taking place amidst the backdrop of an upcoming election, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Minister of Transportation Miri Regev expected to attend. In contrast, Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, and Yair Lapid, the leader of the opposition, have announced they will not be present, stating they "will not do politics on the backs of the fans."

Netanyahu's attendance has prompted a legal inquiry from Gadi Eisenkot. In an urgent letter sent by Yisrael Beiteinu to the CEO of the Sports Channel, Tomer Turgeman, Eisenkot demanded that broadcasters be instructed to "refrain from giving a platform to propaganda speeches by the Prime Minister" and to "prepare for interrupting the broadcast or switching to another camera in real-time." The letter argues that Netanyahu does not regularly attend soccer games and that the timing of his visit close to the elections indicates a propaganda motive, which is prohibited by election law.

Yisrael Beiteinu clarified that they do not intend to prevent coverage of the event but warned they would approach the chairman of the election committee for an injunction if the channel does not commit to preventing propaganda. Ahead of the sensitive match, police deployed reinforced forces, including Border Police officers and security guards, to maintain public order and manage traffic during peak hours. Roads surrounding the stadium were completely blocked.

To alleviate traffic congestion, police urged fans to use public transportation. In addition to park-and-ride facilities, special shuttles, and extra Israel Railways trains, the light rail (L3 line) will operate for the first time on a game day. The light rail will transport fans to stations near the stadium. However, to prevent dangerous crowding after the game, crowd dispersal will initially be managed from the 'Gonenim' station, about a 10-minute walk from the stadium, using a "fill and go" system where trains depart as soon as they are full. Once the track is cleared of passengers, the train will resume full service with increased frequency.