Israeli politics

As Israel heads to elections, the Altalena offers a lesson in unity - opinion

The Altalena’s return reminds Israelis that no political dispute should ever outweigh the bonds that hold the country together.

The search for the remains of the Altalena, published August 24, 2026.
Then-deputy prime minister Naftali Bennett and then-finance minister Avigdor Liberman attend a cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's Office, in Jerusalem, July 3, 2022

Bennett, Liberman risk splitting the anti-Netanyahu camp over who leads it - opinion

OFER WINTER attends the launch of the People of Israel party in Jerusalem on Tuesday. He can introduce individuals without political experience into his party because, after October 7, such candidates can say: ‘We did not create this mess. Give us a chance to clean it up.’

As Winter fuels Netanyahu’s discontent, Israel's Right faces a new dilemma

MK Yuli Edelstein speaks during a conference at the Reichman University in Herzliya, on January 13, 2026.

Gilad Erdan confirms talks with Benny Gantz on possible election alliance


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.

My Word: Courting constitutional disaster - opinion

Criticism of the government’s resolution was voiced by President Isaac Herzog, embattled Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara, and a slew of party leaders from the opposition.

Attorney-General Gali Baharav Miara attends a Constitution, Law and Justice Committee leads a committee meeting in the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, on April 27, 2025.

Likud weighs reserving slot for Smotrich as RZP risks falling below electoral threshold

Senior Likud figures are discussing whether bringing Bezalel Smotrich onto the party's slate could help preserve religious-Zionist support if his party struggles to clear the electoral threshold.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich holds a press conference at the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem, May 19, 2026.