Ironi Tiberias Condemns Jackie Ben Zaken's Threats, Files Police Complaint

Following an exclusive report by Sport Channel exposing WhatsApp messages between Jackie Ben Zaken and Miki Beitan, Ironi Tiberias issued a strong official response on July 17, 2026. The club declared that the era of bullying and threats in Israeli football is over, condemning Ben Zaken's attempts to intimidate and silence public and legal criticism of Ironi Tiberias. They accused Ben Zaken and M.S. Ashdod of conducting behind-the-scenes pressure campaigns aimed at halting Ironi Tiberias's appeal to the Supreme Court and manipulating the relegation battle off the pitch.

Ironi Tiberias emphasized that they will not be intimidated or deterred by any threats from football officials and remain confident in their position regarding the health of their players and the legitimacy of their legal actions. The club called on the football association's judicial bodies to scrutinize these threatening behaviors, which they say constitute blatant attempts to influence legal proceedings and obstruct the truth. They confirmed that a formal complaint alleging threats and extortion attempts has been filed with the Israeli police.

The statement reflects escalating tensions surrounding the relegation fight in the Israeli Premier League and highlights concerns about off-field interference and pressure tactics within Israeli football governance.