Lieberman Attends Soccer Match Post-Election, Cites 'Even After the Vote'

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, attended a soccer match at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem on Saturday with his son Amos to watch his favorite team, Beitar Jerusalem, play against Bnei Sakhnin. Days after the 26th Knesset elections, Lieberman posted a photo from the stadium on his X account, writing, "We come to Teddy even after the elections. Let's go Beitar." The match ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw, to Lieberman's disappointment. Beitar Jerusalem had taken the lead in the 42nd minute through Adi Yona, but deep into stoppage time, a penalty was awarded to Bnei Sakhnin, which Amadou Sagna converted in the 96th minute to equalize. The decision sparked anger among Beitar Jerusalem officials, who were close to securing their first home win of the season at Teddy Stadium.

Lieberman's visit follows a series of appearances by politicians at the stadium recently, some of which have drawn public attention due to their proximity to the elections. Just two weeks prior, ahead of a match between Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly planning to visit Teddy Stadium for the first time since 2021. Despite security and logistical preparations, Netanyahu ultimately did not attend the game, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Reports indicate the Prime Minister had to change his plans due to a surprise visit to Israel by the US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, with whom he met at Ovda base in southern Israel.

Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir did attend the match, sitting in the VIP box alongside Beitar Jerusalem owner Barak Abramov. During the evening, Ben-Gvir requested to pass through the players' tunnel on his way to the East Stand, but club officials denied permission, forcing him to use an alternative route. Also present with Ben-Gvir were Minister of Economy Nir Barkat, Likud candidate Yaakov Bardugo, and Shaul Meredor, a candidate for Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar!" party. Meredor, a longtime Beitar fan, criticized Netanyahu's intention to attend the game shortly before the elections. In an interview, Meredor described his experience at Teddy Stadium just before the elections, stating, "Honestly, it was quite amazing to see. 30,000 people sit in all of Teddy, that's not even a mandate, but the number of people in the stands who told us they are voting for us surprised me positively."