Naftali Bennett

With new players and old alliances, Israel’s post-October 7 political map takes shape

POLITICAL AFFAIRS: Two significant political developments played out this week as Israel moves towards elections. Gadi Eisenkot and Yonatan Shamriz took the reflectors with key announcements.

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett seen with Gadi Eisenkot during a march in support of the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews into the IDF, from the entrance of Jerusalem to the Knesset, January 15, 2026
Opposition head Yair Lapid arrives for a court hearing at the Supreme Court on a petition against the transfer of funds to ultra-Orthodox educational institutions, January 8, 2026

Israel's Opposition hits 61 seat majority for first time in months - poll

Yair Lapid and Gadi Eisenkot embrace at draft law protests in Jerusalem on January 15, 2026.

Gadi Eisenkot pushing for unified list with Bennett, Lapid to rival Netanyahu's Likud

 Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir. March 25, 2025.

Israel Katz publishes IDF chief's letter warning of manpower shortage amid haredi draft debate


Mossad spurs Iran protests, says agents with demonstrators in Farsi message

As protests grow across Iran, the Mossad posted an unusual Farsi message urging demonstrators to act, saying it is with them in the streets, amid rising economic pressure and public unrest.

Illustrative Mossad agent.

Despite turbulent week, demand for commission of inquiry, bloc map remain stable - poll

Against the backdrop of the draft law, the establishment of a government commission of inquiry, and the interview by Eli Feldstein on the Qatargate affair, coalition parties maintain their strength.

Knesset members attend a plenum hearing, October 29, 2025; illustrative.

Qatargate resurfaces: What was really happening inside Netanyahu's office?

DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS: Whether both scandals were reckless media manipulation, systemic mismanagement, or something darker – the common denominator is a flawed judgment.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives at the Knesset, Israel's parliament in Jerusalem, July 14, 2025

Iran-linked spy suspect arrested near former Israeli prime minister’s home

Vadim Kupriyanov, an Israeli in his 40s, was arrested in December 2025 for allegedly working with Iranian intelligence, carrying out security missions for payment over the past two months.

 Alternate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett arrives to testify at the commission of inquiry into Nahal Tzafit disaster in Tel Aviv, August 1, 2022

'Worst treason in Israel's history': Bennett, Netanyahu trade barbs over Qatargate

Bennett stated that while he would not claim Netanyahu ordered his advisers to act on behalf of Qatar, he should have "been the first to cry out and take action" when the affair was revealed.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former prime minister Naftali Bennett. (Illustrative)

Former PM Bennett calls Qatargate treasonous, calls on Netanyahu to resign

Yair Lapid, who also briefly served in the role, called it the "most serious treason case in the history of the State.”

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett speaks at a political event in Jerusalem, November 19, 2025; illustrative.

Israel's opposition must unite to defeat Netanyahu, restore responsibility in politics – opinion

A divided opposition risks repeating past failures; uniting the parties is the only path to replacing the current government.

Opposition party leaders Yair Golan, Yair Lapid, and Benny Gantz. Israel’s opposition needs to find unity, the writer says.

Bennett surges to 22 seats as Likud falls, opposition inches toward forming gov't - poll

The Likud would get 25 seats, Religious Zionist party would not cross the threshold, and an opposition coalition would secure 60 seats, putting it on the brink of forming a government.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ministers at a 40 signatures debate, at the plenum hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on December 8, 2025.

Former prime minister Bennett’s Telegram hacked, not phone, despite Iranian group's claims

“Despite all of your pride and boasting, your digital fortress is nothing more than a paper wall waiting to be broken,” the group stated.

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett visits at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City during Jerusalem day, May 26, 2025

'Writing was on the wall': Israeli politicians condemn Bondi Beach mass shooting

"Our hearts are with the community, and we stand with them," Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer said at the event honoring lone soldiers at the President's Residence in Jerusalem.

A woman holds a child in a blanket after a shooting incident at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 14, 2025. Australian police said two people were in custody following reports of multiple gunshots on December 14 at Sydney's famed Bondi Beach, urging the public to take shelter