Government

What is a government-issued identification number?

|ByISAAC KAPLAN
A government-issued ID number links a person or organization to official records, varying by country and purpose.
Israeli anti-government protesters hold placards and flags during a demonstration against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv in November. Some 83% of the public say they are worried about Israel’s internal social tensions.

Without trustworthy leadership, resilience alone cannot keep Israel whole

A society can endure war; but without faith in its leadership and a steady moral compass, resilience alone cannot keep Israel whole

|ByABIR GITLIN
Myanmar's junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who ousted the elected government in a coup, presides at an army parade on Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, March 27, 2021; illustrative.

Why is Myanmar's junta holding an election during a civil war? - explainer

Myanmar’s junta-led election is widely viewed as a bid to legitimize military power amid civil war, low turnout, and the exclusion of opposition parties.

|ByREUTERS
Election Commission officials count ballots at a polling station during Myanmar's general election in Yangon, Myanmar, December 28, 2025; illustrative.

Final phase of Myanmar's election underway, military-backed party set to win

Myanmar opened polling stations for the final phase of a junta-led election, with low turnout, ongoing fighting, and a military-backed party poised to consolidate power.

|ByREUTERS

Benny Gantz is reclaiming relevance in politics because Israel wants unity - opinion

Israel needs unity and renewed common purpose. Gantz is the politician who most credibly embodies that aspiration. That is why his campaign is gaining traction.

JANUARY 23, 2026ByALON TAL
Head of Blue and White party MK Benny Gantz speaks during press conference in Tel Aviv on August 23, 2025.

WATCH: Pahlavi announces six demands for int'l community, Iranian diaspora to support protesters

Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi outlined six key demands to rally global support for Iranian activists and protesters, urging a coordinated international effort to weaken the regime.

JANUARY 23, 2026ByJAMES GENN
Anti-Iranian regime protesters in Paris, France, hold banners, including of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi over a background with the Pahlavi royal crest, reading "FREE IRAN," January 18, 2026.

Only Jewish-Arab cooperation, peace with Palestinians will let Israel be a democracy - opinion

The key to victory is through Jewish-Arab political cooperation.

JANUARY 21, 2026ByGERSHON BASKIN
Ra'am party head MK Mansour Abbas leads a faction meeting, at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on November 24, 2025.

Syrian Kurds are fighting for survival – and Israel’s future is tied to theirs - opinion

Northern Syria is collapsing into chaos, and unless the West acts, the Kurds will pay the price.

JANUARY 20, 2026ByPAUSHALI LASS
Conoco gas plant after it came under the control of the Syrian government following the withdrawal of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in the countryside of Deir al-Zor, Syria, January 19, 2026.

Good news for Israel is standing tip-toe on the misty mountain tops - opinion

A 'government of change' will 'rejig priorities: money will flow to security, education, academia, hi-tech, and health and shore up the values of Zionism that reflect Israel’s raison d’etre.'

JANUARY 18, 2026ByPAMELA PELED
MK Efrat Rayten at a July press conference in the Knesset.

Iran is a large, silent prison – and federalism is the only way to break out - opinion

The future political system of Iran must consciously distribute power and sovereignty from the top down, in accordance with democratic constitutional principles and the interests of the regions.

JANUARY 14, 2026ByRAZGAR ALANI
An Iranian woman votes at a polling station in Tehran on March 2, 2012.

The case for ending Israel's media monopoly protections - opinion

By loosening regulations and expanding competition, the broadcast reform weakens monopolies and reduces political leverage

JANUARY 13, 2026ByOMER DOSTRI
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with Communications Minister Shlomo Kahri in the Knesset. Kahri advocates opening up the media market in Israel.

Those who seek truth do not silence the press - opinion

In order to repair what has been broken here, we have to know, we have to ask, and we have to demand answers

JANUARY 13, 2026ByILANA DAYAN
Ilana Dayan addresses the Emergency Conference of Israeli Journalists in Tel Aviv on December 9, 2025.

When governments gag the press, democracies collapse - opinion

Why current government reforms threaten one of Israel’s last democratic safeguards – the media

JANUARY 13, 2026ByHANAN MELCER
Israeli journalists gathered last month for an emergency meeting to discuss the government’s proposed reforms to the media landscape.

Coalition leaders call on Netanyahu to disobey High Court, block Ben-Gvir firing

“Unfortunately, we are witnessing clear attempts at a coup carried out through the law enforcement systems. This is, quite simply, a coup against democracy," Ben-Gvir said Monday.

JANUARY 13, 2026BySARAH BEN-NUN, KESHET NEEV
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir arrives at the Supreme Court, in Jerusalem, July 17, 2025