Netanyahu to Attend Jerusalem Soccer Match Amid Election Campaign

Beitar Jerusalem is set to host Maccabi Tel Aviv on Monday evening at Teddy Stadium in a crucial Israeli Premier League soccer match. The game is taking place amidst heightened tensions and the approaching general elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Minister of Transportation Miri Regev are expected to attend. In contrast, Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, and Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition, have announced they will not be present, stating they will not engage in politics at the fans' expense.

Netanyahu's attendance has prompted a legal inquiry from Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yashar" party. In an urgent letter to Sport Channel CEO Tomer Turgeman, Eisenkot demanded that broadcasters avoid providing a platform for the Prime Minister's election propaganda speeches, and be prepared to cut the broadcast or switch cameras if necessary. The letter argues that Netanyahu does not typically attend soccer games and that his presence so close to the elections indicates a campaign purpose, which is prohibited by election law.

"Yashar" clarified that their intention is not to prevent coverage of the event but warned they would approach the Election Committee chairman for an injunction if the channel does not commit to preventing propaganda. In preparation for the sensitive match, the police have deployed reinforced forces, including Border Police officers and security guards, to maintain public order and manage traffic during peak hours. Roads surrounding the stadium have been completely blocked.

To alleviate heavy traffic, 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, a 10-minute walk from the stadium, using a "fill and go" system where trains depart as soon as they are full. Once passenger flow from this station subsides, the entire line will resume operation with increased frequency.