Israeli politics

Shas fills local rabbi posts with loyalists, sidelining community choice - opinion

Shas moves quickly to fill rabbinic vacancies, sidelining candidates who fit their cities.

Head of Shas party Aryeh Deri and Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef visit at the scene of suspected arson and vandalism at a Jerusalem synagogue which is often frequented by Rabbi Yosef, June 8, 2025.
Reservist Party leader and former communications minister Yoaz Hendel serving in the IDF.

Yoaz Hendel: 'Israel must seize opportunity to defeat Hezbollah, assert control in Lebanon'

Debris lies at the site of a fatal Iranian missile strike in Israel on Monday. The war with Iran and the assassination of its supreme leader have temporarily pushed the anti-democratic and racist defects and ailments of Israel’s society to second place, the writer says.

Trump, Netanyahu, and the Iranian conundrum: Is a partial victory enough? - opinion

MK Gadi Eisenkot holds a press conference after announcing his resignation in Tel Aviv, July 1, 2025.

Israeli elections: New poll shows Eisenkot gain, Bennett dip, blocs frozen at 60–50


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.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel, as she marches on a three-day journey from Kfar Saba to Jerusalem to protest the current outline of the haredi conscription bill.

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.

Opposition party leaders Yair Golan, Yair Lapid, and Benny Gantz. Israel’s opposition needs to find unity, the writer says.

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.

NATIONAL SECURITY Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is seen wearing a gold pin of a noose, on December 8, 2025.

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.

Benny Gantz.

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.

MKs Pnina Tameno-Shete and Sharren Haskel.

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.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at a 40 signatures debate, at the plenum hall of the Knesset, in Jerusalem, on December 8, 2025

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.

Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protesters gather in Mea She'arim, Jerusalem, to celebrate draft dodgers' release from miiltary prison, November 30, 2025; illustrative.

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.

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump delivers a speech to a joint session of Congress in March 2025.

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.

Minister of Defence Israel Katz visits the Mahaneh Yehudah Market in Jerusalem, on September 2, 2025.

Netanyahu will not step away from Israeli politics for plea deal, intends to run again

Sources close to President Herzog said that a decision on Netanyahu's pardon will take at least two months.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the Knesset as President Isaac Herzog looks on on November 30, 2025.