In September 1956, the national team participated in the inaugural AFC Asian Cup competition, finishing as runners-up.

In the penultimate round of Liga Alef, Hapoel Kfar Saba, who were leading the table, scored a 12–0 victory against Hapoel Nahariya, while its rival for promotion, Maccabi Rehovot score an 11–0 victory against local rival Maccabi Sha'arayim.

[1][2] The play-offs were held after the summer break, at the beginning of the next season.

At the end of the league season, the top division was re-expanded to 12 teams.

As Hapoel Jerusalem finished third in Liga Alef, prior to the committee's decision to hold the promotion play-offs, Maccabi Jaffa and Hapoel Jerusalem played the first match, resulting in a 1–1 draw.