Israeli politics

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 attends a House committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem on, June 28, 2026.

MK Dan Illouz announces departure from Likud, says party has been 'hijacked'

Attorney General of Israel Gali Baharav-Miara attends a ceremony marking the Hebrew calendar anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7.

Netanyahu coalition passes controversial law weakening attorney-general's authority

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.

Former deputy FM Haskel announces launch of new Israel First political party


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.