Israel Championship. Leumit League (Liga Bet)
Leumit League, known as Liga Bet, stands as Israel's vibrant second-tier football competition, where clubs battle fiercely for promotion to the Premier League or survival amid intense rivalry. The 2023/24 season showcased 14 determined teams pushing boundaries in a high-stakes environment.
History and foundation
Established in 1999 through a restructuring of Israel's football pyramid, Liga Bet evolved from the old National League. It has weathered reforms, including playoff introductions in the 2010s and pandemic adaptations in 2020. A standout moment: in 2015, Hapoel Haifa stormed back to the top flight, while Maccabi Tamra in 2022 became the first Arab club to claim the title, marking a milestone in inclusivity.
Tournament format
Featuring 14 teams, the league follows a double round-robin format over 26 matches. Post-regular season, teams split into top and bottom groups: the upper five vie for direct promotion or playoffs against Premier League sides, while the lower six fight relegation. Group A winners ascend directly; runners-up enter promotion playoffs.
Interesting facts
The 2023/24 season averaged 2.8 goals per game, emphasizing gritty defenses. Top scorer Idan Dror (Hapoel Hadera) netted 17, followed by Ofer Zidman (Maccabi Tamra, 15). Standout players include past stars like Eran Zahavi, who honed his skills here with Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Ofir Davidzada. Current gems: winger Shimon Abuzaglo's dazzling runs and defender Guy Ben-Arif's commanding presence fuel thrilling counterattacks in this talent incubator.