The club was founded on 31 May 1927. There were two other attempts to found the club. In 1927 they united with Allenby F.C and created the club in its modern form. The club is part of the Hapoel Sport Organisation, which is connected with the Histadrut trade union. Until the independence of Israel in 1948 the club often won the Palestine League (5 titles). After the independence Hapoel joined the Israeli League. In 1988-1989 they were relegated to the second league for the first time of their existence. Next year they came back. Since 1948 they have won 8 national titles. Overall they have won 13 national titles and 13 State Cups. They have had many big successes in international football, for example the victory in the first Asian Club Championship in 1967, beating Red Bull Salzburg and Benfica in the 2010-11 Champions League, and finishing first in their group in the 2010-11 Europa League.