Israeli politics

Yashar party's Shaul Meridor says Ofer Winter opposed ground operation in Gaza

Shaul Meridor claims Ofer Winter secretly lobbied cabinet members and Netanyahu against the Gaza ground invasion, alleging a contrast with his hawkish public image.

Shaul Meridor (L) and Gadi Eisenkot (R), April 28, 2026.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, votes in Likud party primary elections ahead of Israel’s general election in October, in Jerusalem, Monday, August. 17, 2026.

Israel's Right has judged everyone else. Now it must judge itself - opinion

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a vote at the plenum hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on July 16, 2026.

Netanyahu's US trips: $13,000 for hair and makeup, $500 smoking fee, $125 traffic ticket

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with opposition head Yair Lapid, June 17, 2025

Lapid calls on Netanyahu to convene defense budget committee, release NIS 11b. to IDF


Main electoral battle will be for Israel's centrist voters, with far-right, left already set - poll

According to the index, 53% of Israelis are completely certain whom they will vote for, while another 29% are fairly certain of their decision.

Israelis enjoy the beach as a heatwave hits Israel, in Herzliya, April 17, 2026

Ahead of October 27: How a new government could change Israel’s course - opinion

Given current daunting national challenges – domestic, regional, and international – it is worth examining the positions and likely policies of those who could soon form the next government.

MK Naama Lazimi attends a plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, July 8, 2026.

New haredi party launches, aiming to secure spot in Knesset ahead of elections

The new ultra-Orthodox Haredi Public Party led by the deputy mayor of Beit Shemesh, Moti Leitner, launched on Sunday with a large-scale advertising campaign in major haredi cities.

The Haredi Public party launched a large-scale advertising campaign at the entrances to and exits from major haredi cities on July 19, 2026.

Knesset passes into law controversial overhaul of Israel's broadcasting sector

Legislation passes 53-48, granting the government sweeping broadcasting powers amid warnings of harm to media freedom.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi are seen in the Knesset plenum during a vote on the minister's communications reform, in Jerusalem, July 16, 2026

MK Dan Illouz announces departure from Likud, says party has been 'hijacked'

“I simply cannot ask you to vote for a party that I myself can no longer bring myself to vote for,” Illouz stated. “This is no longer the Likud. This is a party that has been hijacked.”

MK Dan Illouz attends a House committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem on, June 28, 2026.

Netanyahu coalition passes controversial law weakening attorney-general's authority

The bill passed in its final second and third readings by a 65-51 vote and is considered to be one of the key pieces of legislation that the coalition has been pushing to pass.

Attorney General of Israel Gali Baharav-Miara attends a ceremony marking the Hebrew calendar anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7.

Former deputy FM Haskel announces launch of new Israel First political party

The announcement came one day after Haskel resigned from her position as deputy foreign minister over the passing of controversial legislation that froze the arrests of haredi draft evaders.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel speaks to the media as she announces her resignation as Deputy Foreign Minister at the Knesset in Jerusalem, July 14, 2026.

Israeli politics is driving out its mensches, and the country will pay the price - comment

On Wednesday, Sofer announced he will not run for the next Knesset.

Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer speaks to individuals at an aliyah event.

Aliyah Minister Ofir Sofer pulls out of 2026 election

In his resignation statement, Sofer thanked his supporters and stated that he will continue to serve in his position until the end of his term.

Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer speaks during a Memorial Day ceremony commemorating fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror at Kiryat Shaul Military Cemetery in Tel Aviv, April 21, 2026.

When Shabbat becomes a battleground - opinion

I sat on my balcony watching around 50 haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men and children harass a new cafe’s patrons and staff in Jerusalem’s city center, angry that it was operating on Shabbat.

POLICE ARE seen dragging an ultra-Orthodox protester away during a demonstration against a cafe operating on Shabbat while secular protesters demonstrate in support of the cafe in central Jerusalem, on July 11, 2026.