Otzma Yehudit

Likud, Netanyahu dropping in public eyes amid Iran war, contentious legislation - poll

This is Likud’s lowest figure since August 2025, when it received 21 seats in a Maariv poll. However, the coalition bloc maintained its strength from last week at 50 seats.

|ByMOSHE COHEN
A LIKUD supporter waves the party’s flag at a gathering, a show of grassroots loyalty which has long defined the movement, even as critics say its primaries have reshaped, and at times distorted, who rises within its ranks.
Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs seen at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, June 18, 2024

Gov’t secretary says contentious haredi draft bill will pass, coalition soon to secure majority

Fuchs dismissed comments from Haskel, who objected to the bill, and from the group of coalition lawmakers who also objected to it.

|ByKESHET NEEV
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at a Jerusalem Day event, May 14, 2026; illustrative.

Over half of Israelis want PM Netanyahu to retire from politics, not run in Knesset election - poll

Poll: 55% of Israelis want Netanyahu to step down, as the coalition drops to 49 seats and the opposition strengthens to a majority.

|ByMOSHE COHEN
FORMER OTZMA YEHUDIT chair Michael Ben-Ari (left) and Zehut party leader Moshe Feiglin (right) agree to run in a joint list ahead of elections, Wednesday, May 7, 2026.

Zehut party leader to run in elections on joint list with ex-Otzma Yehudit chair

The party said the alliance was born out of the understanding that the faith-based nationalist public in Israel currently "needs a strong political home." 

|ByKESHET NEEV

Ben-Gvir appoints former Netanyahu adviser as Otzma Yehudit campaign strategist

The Otzma Yehudit party, known for its far-right stance, has recently polled at around eight seats, making it a key player in Netanyahu’s coalition.

APRIL 27, 2026ByKESHET NEEV
Ofer Golan arrive for a court hearing of Yonatan Orich and Eli Feldstein who were arrested in the so-called Qatargate investigation, at the Magistrate's Court in Rishon Lezion, April 1, 2025.

Likud no longer the largest party in Knesset in latest election poll

At the start of Operation Roaring Lion, Likud held a six-seat lead over Bennett. Since then, however, Likud has lost three seats while Bennett has gained three.

APRIL 24, 2026ByMOSHE COHEN, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Israelis attend a protest against the current Israeli government and the war in Tel Aviv, April 11, 2026.

MK Fogel deletes X post mocking Trump at Ben-Gvir's request, says he wanted 'to be heard'

The post remained online for over an hour and gained traction on American platforms, reaching roughly half a million views.

APRIL 13, 2026ByYEHUDA SHLEZINGER, MIRIAM SELA-EITAM
MK Zvika Fogel leads a National Security committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, during the war with Iran and Hezbollah, March 15, 2026.

Ben-Gvir visits Temple Mount, says he feels like the ‘owner’ of holy site, Jordan condemns trip

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir says he feels like the “owner” of the Temple Mount and vows expanded Jewish access, as Jordan condemns the visit.

APRIL 12, 2026ByKESHET NEEV, REUTERS
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visits Temple Mount alongside Rabbi Elisha Wolfson, calling to expand Jewish worship at holy site, Sunday, April 12, 2026.

One month of war uncertainty leaves Israel’s political map unchanged - poll

The poll further found that 51% of Israelis do not trust US President Donald Trump to end the war with Iran in a way that would preserve Israel’s interests.

MARCH 27, 2026ByMOSHE COHEN
A man casts his vote in the Israeli general elections, at a polling station in Jerusalem, on November 1, 2022.

Death penalty bill expected for final vote next week after Knesset panel approves outline

The bill stipulates that a terrorist who intentionally kills a person as part of an act of terrorism will be sentenced to death, with the sentencing not requiring a unanimous verdict.

MARCH 25, 2026ByKESHET NEEV
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir at the Knesset committee discussing the death penalty law.

Imported Palestinian produce contains dangerous levels of pesticides, Health committee warns

Procedure dictates that Palestinian produce gets tested in labs before going to market. In practice, the toxic produce is sent to Israeli shelves several days before lab results even come back.

FEBRUARY 23, 2026ByDR. ITAY GAL, AVRAHAM BLOCH
Palestinian farmers picking cucumbers in the plains of the town of Beit Furik, east of the city of Nablus in the West Bank. on June 26, 2022.

MK Son Har-Melech, dozens of activists cross border fence into Gaza Strip

The Otzma Yehudit MK has said in a statement published by Nachala that "Gaza is ours forever."

FEBRUARY 20, 2026ByLARA SUKSTER MOSHEYOF
MK Limor Son Har-Melech, together with dozens of activists from the Nahala movement, crossed the border fence into the Gaza Strip. February 19.

Former PM Naftali Bennett won't boycott Ben-Gvir or Smotrich, leaked recordings reveal

In addition to saying he would not boycott the far-right ministers, Bennett was heard in the recordings describing Ben-Gvir as a "very unserious person" and Smotrich as "very combative."

FEBRUARY 19, 2026ByKESHET NEEV
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett attends a Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem, February 17, 2026

Israel should enact the Ben-Gvir death penalty law - opinion

Murder rates continue to rise, not just since the October 7 massacre, and Israel cannot afford to be lenient if it wishes to survive.

FEBRUARY 17, 2026ByALEX STERNBERG
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir during a 40 signatures debate, at the plenum hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on November 10, 2025.