For the first time, there were two Israeli Arab clubs in the top division; Maccabi Ahi Nazareth and Bnei Sakhnin.
Bnei Sakhnin (who qualified for Europe by winning the State Cup) became the first Arab club to spend more than a single season in the top flight.
Both Maccabi Ahi Nazareth and Bnei Sakhnin made their debut in the top flight.
Hapoel Kfar Saba and Ironi Rishon LeZion were relegated after finishing in the bottom two places in the 2002-03 season.
^ ^ The club played their home games at a neutral venue because their own ground did not meet Premier League requirements.