Israeli politics
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.
Gov’t faces one-week deadline to pass first reading of state budget amid haredi draft bill threats
Dangerous game: Netanyahu risks Israel’s security to save coalition with draft deal - editorial
Bill on prosecuting October 7 Nukhba terrorists passes first Knesset reading
Most Israelis say social division bigger threat to country than Iranian nuclear threat - poll
While 59% of Jewish respondents viewed polarization as the greatest threat, only 39% of Arab participants said the same, possibly due to higher Arab sympathy with Palestinians.
The case for Sharren Haskell: The leader Israel needs and the system can’t tolerate - opinion
At a time when sovereignty, security, and national cohesion demand leaders forged by responsibility rather than ambition, Sharren Haskel illustrates what effective leadership is really like.
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.
A golden noose around Israel’s soul: Ben-Gvir’s theology of death strangles society - opinion
The golden noose represents a theology of death, a reverence for vengeance that distorts the face of Judaism and deals a severe blow to Israeli society.
Responsibility vs popularity: Israeli elections are a test for society - opinion
Experience shows that dramatic statements and grand promises may generate temporary support, but that support evaporates quickly when confronted with facts.
Not someday: Israel is ready for a new woman prime minister now - opinion
Israel’s democracy is mature enough for another woman prime minister, and leaders are already emerging.
Netanyahu warns ex-security chiefs against involvement in Oct. 7 inquiry
“In recent days, we have witnessed an organized campaign of pressure by senior ‘former officials’ seeking to distort the facts and dictate to the government how it should act,” Netanyahu wrote.
Draft law needs legal work, only services haredim, says A-G in advisory opinion
Israel's Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara said the current version of the haredi draft law would benefit only ultra-Orthodox men.
US democracy's decline is a warning to Israel - opinion
America is being tested as to whether it can keep its republic, just as we are being tested as to whether we can retain our democracy. Let us all hope that both of us can pass the test.
Defense Minister Katz moves to extend IDF service to 36 months
In the statement, Katz indicated that combat soldiers and other conscripts who are already serving and scheduled to complete their service during 2026 may have to delay their discharge from the IDF.