Otzma Yehudit

Ben-Gvir appoints former Netanyahu adviser as Otzma Yehudit campaign strategist

The Otzma Yehudit party, known for its far-right stance, has recently polled at around eight seats, making it a key player in Netanyahu’s coalition.

|ByKESHET NEEV
Ofer Golan arrive for a court hearing of Yonatan Orich and Eli Feldstein who were arrested in the so-called Qatargate investigation, at the Magistrate's Court in Rishon Lezion, April 1, 2025.
Israelis attend a protest against the current Israeli government and the war in Tel Aviv, April 11, 2026.

Likud no longer the largest party in Knesset in latest election poll

At the start of Operation Roaring Lion, Likud held a six-seat lead over Bennett. Since then, however, Likud has lost three seats while Bennett has gained three.

|ByMOSHE COHEN, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
MK Zvika Fogel leads a National Security committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, during the war with Iran and Hezbollah, March 15, 2026.

MK Fogel deletes X post mocking Trump at Ben-Gvir's request, says he wanted 'to be heard'

The post remained online for over an hour and gained traction on American platforms, reaching roughly half a million views.

|ByYEHUDA SHLEZINGER, MIRIAM SELA-EITAM
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visits Temple Mount alongside Rabbi Elisha Wolfson, calling to expand Jewish worship at holy site, Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Ben-Gvir visits Temple Mount, says he feels like the ‘owner’ of holy site, Jordan condemns trip

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir says he feels like the “owner” of the Temple Mount and vows expanded Jewish access, as Jordan condemns the visit.

|ByKESHET NEEV, REUTERS

One month of war uncertainty leaves Israel’s political map unchanged - poll

The poll further found that 51% of Israelis do not trust US President Donald Trump to end the war with Iran in a way that would preserve Israel’s interests.

MARCH 27, 2026ByMOSHE COHEN
A man casts his vote in the Israeli general elections, at a polling station in Jerusalem, on November 1, 2022.

Death penalty bill expected for final vote next week after Knesset panel approves outline

The bill stipulates that a terrorist who intentionally kills a person as part of an act of terrorism will be sentenced to death, with the sentencing not requiring a unanimous verdict.

MARCH 25, 2026ByKESHET NEEV
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir at the Knesset committee discussing the death penalty law.

Imported Palestinian produce contains dangerous levels of pesticides, Health committee warns

Procedure dictates that Palestinian produce gets tested in labs before going to market. In practice, the toxic produce is sent to Israeli shelves several days before lab results even come back.

FEBRUARY 23, 2026ByDR. ITAY GAL, AVRAHAM BLOCH
Palestinian farmers picking cucumbers in the plains of the town of Beit Furik, east of the city of Nablus in the West Bank. on June 26, 2022.

MK Son Har-Melech, dozens of activists cross border fence into Gaza Strip

The Otzma Yehudit MK has said in a statement published by Nachala that "Gaza is ours forever."

FEBRUARY 20, 2026ByLARA SUKSTER MOSHEYOF
MK Limor Son Har-Melech, together with dozens of activists from the Nahala movement, crossed the border fence into the Gaza Strip. February 19.

Former PM Naftali Bennett won't boycott Ben-Gvir or Smotrich, leaked recordings reveal

In addition to saying he would not boycott the far-right ministers, Bennett was heard in the recordings describing Ben-Gvir as a "very unserious person" and Smotrich as "very combative."

FEBRUARY 19, 2026ByKESHET NEEV
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett attends a Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem, February 17, 2026

Israel should enact the Ben-Gvir death penalty law - opinion

Murder rates continue to rise, not just since the October 7 massacre, and Israel cannot afford to be lenient if it wishes to survive.

FEBRUARY 17, 2026ByALEX STERNBERG
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir during a 40 signatures debate, at the plenum hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on November 10, 2025.

Ben-Gvir ordered to promote police investigator linked to Netanyahu probes, court rules

The decision brings to a close months of legal hurdles, after Ben-Gvir refused to advance her rank along with her peers.

FEBRUARY 9, 2026BySARAH BEN-NUN
Protesters outside the Tel Aviv District Court, ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's criminal trial hearing, present a representation of Itamar Ben-Gvir with a sign that reads, 'A good Arab is a dead one,' and a representation of Netanyahu asking why Ben-Gvir should be fired.

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

The opposition had been standing at 60 seats, at the cusp of a majority, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition remained at 50 seats. The Arab parties, meanwhile, stand at 10 seats.

JANUARY 23, 2026ByTZVI JASPER
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

Majority of Israelis favor joint US-Israel action against Iran - poll

The responses were divided into those who support Israel joining the attack only if Iran first attacked or prepared to attack (29%) and those who would support Israeli participation regardless (44%).

JANUARY 16, 2026ByTZVI JASPER
A man lights a cigarette with fire from a burning picture of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as Israelis rally in support of the nationwide protests happening in Iran, in Holon, Israel, January 14, 2026.

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.

DECEMBER 26, 2025ByMOSHE COHEN
Knesset members attend a plenum hearing, October 29, 2025; illustrative.