Israeli politics

Haredi MK Gafni urges Netanyahu to advance Torah study bill unchanged despite legal warnings

Afik said that the legislation, in its current form, could allow Torah students to receive the same academic aid benefits as reservists, among other state benefits.

MK Moshe Gafni attends a Finance committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, June 29, 2026.
Designated head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) director David Zini seen with Ultra orthodox jewish soldiers from the Hasmonean Brigade after completing their beret march, at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old city on August 6, 2025.

Shin Bet chief Zini's loyalty remarks raise defining questions for Israel's elections - analysis

Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) Director David Zini visits at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem during Memorial Day which commemorates the fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror, on April 21, 2026.

Shin Bet chief Zini walks into yet another political trap - analysis

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his wife Sara Netanyahu, and Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu attend a cornerstone-laying ceremony for the Atarot Heritage Center in northern Jerusalem, July 5, 2026.

Political logic behind Netanyahu’s controversial legislative blitz - analysis


Defense Ministry backs 90-freeze on haredi draft evader arrests as Israel faces coalition crisis

MKs Gafni and Deri stated that the prime minister had “made it clear at the meeting that he is committed to approving the laws and will work to advance them quickly.”

United Torah Judaism leader MK Yitzhak Goldknopf at Knesset House Committee debating Basic Law: Torah Study, Sunday June 28, 2026.

Eisenkot files petition demanding Smotrich remove 'manipulative' AI-generated video

Eisenkot’s petition accused Smotrich of attempting to “spread hatred, lies, and mislead voters,” stating that “there is no place for lying, deception, and manipulation in the current election system.

Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yashar party, holds a press conference with the party’s new member Yoram Cohen in Tel Aviv, May 5, 2026.

The breaking point: How haredi draft evasion laws are tearing Israel apart - opinion

The worldview of the current haredi political leadership is dangerous to society. It is based on extorting the political system to achieve huge budgets.

Ultra-Orthodox (haredi) Jewish men block Highway 1 near Ein Hemed as they rally against the imprisonment of yeshiva students who failed to comply with IDF draft orders, on June 24, 2026.

Ben-Gvir says has respect for Trump, but warns against 'weak ceasefire' deal

"We respect President Trump, but first of all, the soldiers of Israel, our fighters, our citizens. The security of Israel's civilians comes first," he said.

Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir at a press conference, June 22 2026.

Bennett calls to establish constitution, lays out new political vision for Israel

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett said one of his first priorities would be establishing a state commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the October 7 Hamas massacre.

Former prime minsiter Naftali Bennett speaks on plan for Israel at Jewish International Connection Israel (JIC) event in Jerusalem for English speakers, Thursday, June 18, 2026.

High Court urges Knesset to hold third vote on state comptroller after filming scandal

Michael Rabello, Netanyahu’s longtime personal attorney, was elected on June 3 after a dramatic two-round Knesset vote. Petitions against his appointment argue that the vote was legally defective.

The High Court of Justice hears petitions against the vote to appoint Michael Rabello as state comptroller, in Jerusalem, June 18, 2026

Democrats Party breaks record of 75,000 members, sets date for primaries ahead of elections

The left-wing Democrats Party said it will hold primaries on July 20 after crossing a record 75,000 members, marking its highest membership since the late 1990s.

Leader of the Democrats party Yair Golan leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on June 15, 2026.

Ben-Gvir appoints bereaved family members as official inspectors under terrorist death penalty law

The official inspectors will play a central role in overseeing the conditions of the terrorists sentenced to death, and are granted supervisory powers regarding the implementation of the law.

NATIONAL SECURITY Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir leads Otzma Yehudit faction meeting at the Knesset, on Monday.

Joint Jewish-Arab party launches ahead of upcoming elections, calling for equality

A new Jewish-Arab political party, “A Place For Us All,” has launched ahead of Israel’s upcoming elections, calling for shared leadership, equality, and social change.

Members of the joint Jewish-Arab political party, A Place For Us All, Rula Daood, Alon-Lee Green, Sally Abed, Ghadir Hani, Itamar Avneri, and Yonatan Zeigin, at the party launch in northern Israel, Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

Reservists Party holds primaries ahead of elections, bereaved families among candidates

Yoaz Hendel’s Reservists Party held digital primaries as it prepares for upcoming elections, with candidates including IDF reservists, bereaved families, and wounded veterans.

 Yoaz Hendel testifies during a hearing of the civil investigative committee on the October 7 massacre, in Tel Aviv, August 8, 2024.