Israel sports

Desert diamond: Or Divan and the new dawn of Israeli women’s soccer

Divan is a rare talent in the local landscape, her superb aerial game making her a constant threat on high balls, completing the profile of a truly modern and well-rounded player.

|ByITAY GODER
AT JUST 16, Or Divan has skipped the natural order of Israeli soccer. From scoring over 100 goals in a season to her time in the World Cup qualifiers, the striker is proving that greatness doesn’t wait for age.
OMRI GANDELMAN (with ball) celebrates after scoring the equalizing goal in Israel’s 2-2 friendly draw with Georgia in Tbilisi over the weekend.

Israeli national soccer team draws at Georgia in friendly

Ahead of the Nations League matches coming up in the fall, Israel played Georgia to a 2-2 draw in friendly action over the weekend at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
ISRAELI GOALKEEPER Daniel Peretz commands his box with authority, delivering another match-saving performance as Southampton’s ‘Iron Dome’ continues to fuel the club’s promotion charge from English soccer’s second tier.

From Bayern’s bench to Southampton’s savior: Daniel Peretz and the rise of the ‘Iron Dome’

Daniel Peretz was the “Golden Boy” of Israeli soccer, a player who had famously stared down German strikers at the U-21 Euros and won.

|ByITAY GODER
Josiah-Jordan James has emerged as a key contributor for Hapoel Jerusalem as the Reds chase a EuroCup semifinal berth from their temporary home in Belgrade.

Jerusalem eyes EuroCup semis as ‘Triple J’ finds his groove

Josiah-Jordan James has emerged as a key contributor for Hapoel Jerusalem as the Reds chase a EuroCup semifinal berth from their temporary home in Belgrade.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

Israeli extreme sports enthusiast dies in paragliding crash in Switzerland

Ashdod local Sergey Shipitsin, known online as “Jumping Buddha,” was known for posting daring parkour and extreme sports videos.

DECEMBER 3, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Sergey Shipitsin.

Tribute to former hostage Rom Braslavski, late drama define an unforgettable week in Israeli soccer

Late equalizers, red cards, and coaching turmoil shaped a dramatic week across Israeli soccer.

DECEMBER 2, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
Former hostage Rom Braslavski on the field at Teddy Stadium on Sunday night was a powerful symbol of courage and renewal.

Israel wins seven medals at Abu Dhabi kickboxing World Championships

Israel’s kickboxing team returned from the Abu Dhabi World Championships with seven medals, highlighted by Yulia Sachkov’s gold.

NOVEMBER 30, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
One of gold medalist Yulia Sachkov and one of Israel flag on the podium at the Kickboxing World Championships in Abu Dhabi.

Israel loses to Germany 89-69 in World Cup qualifier debut

Germany tightened its defense after a close first quarter, holding Israel to 9 points in the second quarter and pulling away for an 89,69 win in the qualifier.

NOVEMBER 30, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
Israel Coach Ariel Beit Halachmi aims to reinvigorate the national team ahead of tonight’s contest vs Croatia.

Former Olympian Adi Bichman appointed CEO of Israel Olympic Committee

Former Olympic swimmer Adi Bichman has been unanimously appointed CEO of Israel’s Olympic Committee as the country begins its push toward the 2028 Games.

NOVEMBER 30, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Adi Bichman brings decades of experience in Israeli sport – as an athlete and executive –into her new position as CEO of the Israel Olympic Committee.

Euroleague returns to Israel after vote, home games resume

Euroleague basketball is returning to Israel in December, with games set to resume at Menora Mivtachim Arena and Jerusalem’s Pais Arena.

NOVEMBER 27, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
WITH EUROLEAGUE basketball set to return to Israel, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv gear up for home action once again.

Israeli motorcyclist takes second place in Dubai race, qualifies for FIM Bajas World Cup

Alona Ben Natan was the first Israeli woman to compete in major rallies in Morocco and Dubai, and faced opposition to her entry from Qatar when she was denied a visa.

NOVEMBER 24, 2025ByTHE MEDIA LINE STAFF
Alona Ben Natan, an Israeli motorcyclist, secured the top position in the women’s division of the FIM Bajas World Cup after placing second in the Dubai race.

‘We’ll reach a major tournament’: Coach confident despite Israel's exit from World Cup qualifiers

“The harshest criticism we’ll hear is the criticism we direct at ourselves. We have a goal, and we know and will know how to reach it. I’m very proud of the players," said the team's coach.

NOVEMBER 21, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
The World Cup qualifying soccer match between Italy and Israel in Udine, Italy, on October 14, 2025.

Israel rallies to shock Netherlands three to one, reviving Euro 2027 campaign

Guy Luzon’s side showed remarkable character in Budapest, climbing temporarily into second place in Group G and injecting new life into its campaign.

NOVEMBER 19, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
ISRAEL UNDER-21 players celebrate with forward Ran Binyamin (center) after he scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal in first-half stoppage time of the blue-and-white’s 3-1 upset victory over the Netherlands in Euro 2027 qualifying.

Blakeney lifts Hapoel to 85-80 win over Maccabi in fierce Tel Aviv derby

This was unlike any other derby from the recent past, with Hapoel Tel Aviv entering the contest as the clear favorites over Maccabi Tel Aviv.

NOVEMBER 19, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
ANTONIO BLAKENEY hits a three-pointer late in the fourth quarter of Hapoel Tel Aviv’s 85-80 derby victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv at Menora Mivtachim Arena.