The 2008–09 Liga Artzit season started on 5 September 2008 and ended on 29 May 2009.
Two teams from Liga Alef were promoted at the end of the previous season: Hapoel Umm al-Fahm and Maccabi Ironi Bat Yam along with two teams relegated from Liga Leumit: Hapoel Nazareth Illit and Hapoel Rishon LeZion.The two teams relegated to Liga Alef were Hapoel Kfar Shalem and Maccabi HaShikma/Ramat Hen.
It was scheduled to be the last season before the league closing,[1] as the top two divisions are both expanded to 16 clubs.
During first two rounds, each team played each other once home and away for a total of 22 matches.
Key numbers for pairing determination (number marks position after 22 games): Maccabi Kafr Kanna as the 8th-placed team faced the 11th-placed Liga Leumit team Ironi Ramat HaSharon for a two-legged playoff, Maccabi Kafr Kanna lost both games and were relegated to Liga Alef.