Hapoel Beer Sheva took care of Hapoel Jerusalem 2-0 to remain a top the table with yet another 3-points. Kings Kangwa scored off a Dan Biton cross in the first half while Eliel Peretz put the game away in the second half to take the win.

“It’s a very, very emotional day, we’re all happy for the three hostages who came back home and hope everyone returns safely. That’s above all else,” Beer Sheva Coach Ron Kozuk said. “Heading into the game was not easy as all of the players and staff were on their phones and wanted to see what was going on with the three women who were going to be released just like everyone else. But as soon as we got here to the stadium, we disconnected, we knew we had an important and difficult game ahead of us and I’m proud of them for their concentration in order to take the win.”

Jerusalem coach Ziv Arie added, “This is was a tough loss, but much bigger things happened in this country with the release of some of the hostages. I’m happy for them. I hope this phase ends peacefully and they bring everyone back very soon but with all the joy, there will still be some difficult moments coming up.”

Ironi Tiberias downed Hapoel Hadera 2-1 as Jordan Botaka scored a pair of penalties for the visitors to take the win and the 3-points as the loss may cost Asaf Nimni his job at Hadera.

Hapoel Haifa slipped by Ashdod 2-1 as the loss sent the port city side coach Eli Levy home. Ashdod took a 1-0 lead thanks to Adir Levy but goals by Dor Hugi and Theimoko Diarra scored for the hosts as Roni Levy’s squad took the win.