The commander of the IDF’s Paratroopers Brigade apologized Friday to Hapoel Tel Aviv CEO Tzahi Reichenstein after it was revealed that soldiers in the brigade’s 890th Battalion used the names of Hapoel Tel Aviv basketball players as labels for objectives during a training exercise.
The targets were named after players including Johnathan Motley, Tomer Ginat and Yam Madar. After the club contacted the army, the IDF immediately changed the names, and the brigade commander called Reichenstein to apologize. Reichenstein invited the commander and his deputy to attend Monday night’s home derby against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Both are expected to come with several soldiers from the battalion.
“This was unacceptable and the names were changed. We stress these were geographic points, not live-fire targets,” the IDF said.
Separately, many Hapoel Tel Aviv fans voiced anger over ticket sales for the derby. The club did not open sales for single tickets, limiting purchases to season ticket holders, who were allowed to buy two additional tickets for supporters without subscriptions. Another option was a new “mini subscription” sold this week for 315 shekels, which grants entry to the derby and three additional matches of the buyer’s choice, excluding the game against Hapoel Jerusalem. Soldiers and reservists were offered discounted single tickets.
Hapoel Tel Aviv officials said the policy was driven by high demand and aimed at giving priority to season ticket holders.