Bnei Eilat Offers Gil Itzhak Historic 450,000 NIS Contract in Fourth-Tier League

Bnei Eilat, an ambitious football club led by Kobi Refua, has made a groundbreaking contract offer to Gil Itzhak, one of the top scorers in Israel's second-tier league history. The club proposed a net salary of 450,000 NIS for one season, including housing and a car, plus a promotion bonus. This deal could make Itzhak the highest-paid player ever in Liga Bet, Israel's fourth division.

Itzhak, 33, who began his career at Bnei Yehuda and debuted in the Israeli Premier League in 2011, has played for numerous teams including Maccabi Sha'arayim, Hapoel Rishon LeZion, Maccabi Haifa, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Maccabi Netanya. He was the top scorer in Liga Leumit in the 2018/19 season and again led the scoring charts last season with 16 goals for Maccabi Jaffa. After returning to Bnei Yehuda for the 2024/25 season, he parted ways and rejoined Jaffa.

Itzhak met with Bnei Eilat's owners, the Vaturi family, and Kobi Refua to discuss goals and contract terms, which include an option for more than one year. He is currently considering the offer alongside other proposals from Liga Leumit clubs. A close associate noted that while Itzhak admires Refua and the club's vision, moving down to Liga Bet is a significant decision given his continued value in the higher league and the personal challenges of relocating to Eilat. A final decision is expected soon.