ANNA BARSKY

Anna Barsky is the politics reporter for The Jerusalem Post's sister publication, Maariv.

An election campaign billboard featuring Finance Minister and Religious Zionism Party (RZP) chairman Bezalel Smotrich is displayed on a hotel building in Jerusalem, ahead of Israel’s upcoming general elections, October 14, 2026.

Several Petah Tikva synagogues refuse to host Smotrich, cite objections to politics during services

 NEWLY ELECTED BRITISH MPs gather in the House of Commons Chamber for a group photo in London.

UK expands sanction powers, enabling action against companies supporting West Bank settlements

ILLUSTRATIVE: Visitors observe the Iranian Ministry of Defense’s display featuring the Shahed 136 drone during the 13th edition of Iraq’s Defense, Security, and Cybersecurity Exhibition (IQDEX) in Baghdad, Iraq April 19, 2025.

Israel received Iranian, Russian weapons in secret transfer from Ukraine, fmr. ambassador says


Iran, Turkey, Kuwait, Pakistan, PA leave Baku conference when Herzog spoke, but Qatari Emir stayed

The discrepancy between the Iranian media report and eyewitness accounts raises questions regarding Iran's motivation in framing Qatar's actions toward Israel.

President Isaac Herzog at Seventh Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Baku.

Netanyahu's dilemma: War with Iran might hand election win to Eisenkot, sources say

Israel has told Washington it would prefer military action against Iran to begin after the October 27 election, according to sources familiar with the matter.

(L-R): Yashar head Gadi Eisenkot; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Committee approves building plans for permanent UAE embassy in central Israel

The approved plan allows for the construction of a building of up to 15 stories, housing the embassy's offices as well as residences for the ambassador and diplomatic staff.

Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed participate in the signing of the Abraham Accords in Washington, US, September 15, 2020.

Haredi parties may refuse to endorse both Netanyahu, Eisenkot after Israeli election, sources say

Haredi sources believe that if the opposition bloc secures a majority to replace the Knesset speaker, it may also also gather the support needed to form a government.

Shas chairman Arye Deri and Shas MKs attend a plenum session, at the assembly hall of the Knesset, in Jerusalem, July 15, 2026

Immigration Authority rejects German journalist's work visa application over anti-Zionist politics

"Anti-Israel actors and those who slander Israel should not set foot in the country. We will not tolerate calls for a boycott of Israel under the guise of professional journalism," he said.

Passengers scramble at Ben-Gurion Airport after a staff strike halted Israeli air travel, August 20, 2026

Netanyahu does not need 61 Knesset seats to win Israel's election - he needs 55 - analysis

Likud officials believe another election could hurt Bennett politically, potentially making an agreement with Netanyahu a more attractive option.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen during a hearing in his corruption trial at the Jerusalem District Court, October 11, 2026.

Eisenkot demands decision on Netanyahu aide's alleged record alteration

Eisenkot's appeal followed disclosures that Braverman acknowledged changing an official record of a conversation between Netanyahu and his military secretary on the morning of the October 7 attack.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) speaks with Cabinet secretary Tzachi Braverman during the weekly government conference at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem on June 17, 2018

Netanyahu congratulates Brazil presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro on first election round

Netanyahu invited Bolsonaro to visit Israel, while Bolsonaro extended an invitation to the prime minister to visit Brazil.

Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, who is to be announced as candidate for Brazil's presidential elections, stands in front of a screen showing a pre-recorded message from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the national convention of the Liberal Party (PL) in Brazil, July 25, 2026.

After flydubai attempted hijacking, police probe aviation security failures at Transport Ministry

Published documents indicated that the Transportation Ministry’s Security Division is responsible for certain aspects of security involving flights entering Israel.

A flydubai plane carrying passengers from flight FZ1073 arrives at Ben-Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, after a suspected terror attack aboard their original flight from Dubai to Israel forced an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, September 30, 2026.

Government weighs NIS 9m. assistance after flydubai suspends Israel flights - analysis

The proposed mechanism would help cover empty outbound flights from Israel to Dubai and separate cargo flights carrying passengers’ baggage back to Israel.

A flydubai plane carrying passengers from flight FZ1073 arrives at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, after a suspected terror attack aboard their original flight from Dubai to Israel forced an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, September 30, 2026.