Politics

"It's just a game": 'Patriots' panelist on the purpose of the Peace Council
During the 'Patriots' program aired on Wednesday, panelist Yoni Chetboun claimed that the Peace Council is a strategic "game" orchestrated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He argued that the move is intended primarily to generate international legitimacy for Israel, with the understanding that Hamas is expected to violate any agreement.

Former Shas chairman Eli Yishai considers returning to politics
After more than a decade, the former Interior Minister is considering running for the Knesset with the "Haredi Public" party. The party says it will support enlistment, and in a letter to the leaders of the Haredi parties, they criticized their hawkish line: "Continued confrontation puts the future of the Haredi public at risk."

Netanyahu's former confidant breaks silence: "Power corrupts. Enough"
Yoav Horowitz, who served as Chief of Staff and Director-General of the Prime Minister's Office, appears before the cameras in an unprecedented interview and explains why he decided to leave everything and join Gadi Eisenkot ahead of the upcoming elections.

Eli Yishai on the way back to politics: the next step revealed
The former Shas chairman is holding talks with the "Haredi Tzibur" party, which appeals to working Haredim and supports the conscription of Haredim who do not study. At this stage, no final decision has been made.

CEO of organization encouraging Bedouin voting: "With them, victory will come easily"
The 'Zazim' association is a left-wing organization working to encourage voting in the Arab and Bedouin sectors. In recent weeks, they launched a campaign recruiting volunteers, primarily women, to drive Bedouin women to polling stations.
Mandate poll: Eisenkot returns to the top - Lieberman strengthens
A Channel 13 poll places Eisenkot's party in first place and the opposition bloc at 58 mandates, compared to 51 for the coalition. A merger between Mansour Abbas and Yoav Segalovitz receives 7 mandates, but the majority of the public opposes including Ra'am in the government.

Miri Regev: "Eisenkot cannot form a government without terror supporters and refuseniks"
The Minister of Transport was a guest on "Pathi and Zamri in the Nation" and claimed that the Right must wake up ahead of the elections, while criticizing Gadi Eisenkot and the Democrats party: "These are critical elections."

Former senior official in Netanyahu's office: "You were submissive slaves, he kicked you out"
Edna Halbani, who served as a coordinator in the Prime Minister's Office for 50 years, launched a scathing attack on Likud ministers and MKs, as well as Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, labeling the politicians as "submissive slaves."

Surprising figures approached to join Ofer Winter's new party
Ofer Winter, previously linked to the Religious Zionism party, is exploring an independent run in the upcoming elections. Reports indicate he has begun reaching out to various figures to build his party's list.

MK who left Likud joins Lieberman's party
MK Dan Illouz is joining Yisrael Beiteinu. He was one of the most prominent critics of the draft exemption law, stating that Likud has become a contractor for Deri and Goldknopf.

Stein reminded the government: there are limits even during an election period
Supreme Court Justice Alex Stein's decision to freeze questionable fund transfers to ultra-Orthodox and settlers highlights the balance between governance and the abuse of state resources during elections.
Naama Lazimi: "I wish for Yair Golan to be our Minister of Defense"
MK Naama Lazimi called the chairman of her party "one of the best security experts in Israel" and signaled the role she intends for him after the elections. She also criticized the unusual proceedings in the Finance Committee and attacked its chairman, Hanoch Milvitsky.
MK Simcha Rothman Accuses: "There Were Savages in Yesh Atid and Labor"
MK Simcha Rothman (Religious Zionism) summarized his term, addressed protests at his party's headquarters, and criticized Supreme Court Judge Alex Stein's decision to halt coalition fund transfers.

Hendel and Troper Launch Election Campaign: "Building a Zionist Home"
A month after announcing their joint run, former ministers Hili Troper and Yoaz Hendel have launched the "Zionist Home — Reservists" campaign. Hendel reaffirmed his commitment not to help Benjamin Netanyahu reach a 61-seat majority.

"It was a mistake I will not repeat": Naftali Bennett on the Yasmin Lukatz podcast
The chairman of the Together party was hosted on the podcast of social entrepreneur Yasmin Lukatz. "The flagship mission now is to unite the people, who are more torn than ever," said Bennett, who attacked Bezalel Smotrich: "He is the architect of draft evasion." He also reflected on the lessons learned from his time as Prime Minister.

Netanyahu to Supreme Court: 'I Will Not Fire Ben Gvir, This Is Non-Justiciable'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the Attorney General's warning regarding Itamar Ben Gvir's alleged interference in police work. Netanyahu announced he has no intention of dismissing the minister, describing the claims as 'grains' inflated on a shaky evidentiary basis.

Minister Gamliel to Netanyahu: Reserve a spot for a 'Force 100' soldier on the Likud list
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Gila Gamliel suggested on Wednesday, during an interview on the 'Open Studio' program, that a reserve soldier, potentially from 'Force 100', be included in the Likud list for the Knesset.

Another party in the "Third Bloc": Gilad Erdan at the head, Yuli Edelstein second
Former minister Gilad Erdan is set to announce a new party within the "Third Bloc." He will be joined by MK Yuli Edelstein, who will serve as the party's second-in-command.

Eisenkot: "There Are More Experienced Candidates for Defense Minister Than Yair Golan"
Yashar! party chairman Gadi Eisenkot presented a framework for a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 events, pledging to bring it to the first cabinet meeting if he forms the next government.

Split in Blue and White: Eitan Ginzburg joins Naftali Bennett's party
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced on Wednesday that MK Eitan Ginzburg, who previously served as Minister of Communications, is joining the "Yachad" party and will run on its ticket for the 26th Knesset.

Eisenkot: "Declare Qatar an enemy state? You don't do that as a political gimmick"
At the Yedioth Ahronoth and INSS conference, Naftali Bennett announced he would declare Qatar an enemy state. However, Yashar! chairman Gadi Eisenkot was skeptical: "It should be a serious decision, not an election gimmick," he stated.

Netanyahu will not appeal Likud court ruling and will rely on MK's petition
The Prime Minister has decided not to file an appeal against the Likud court's decision to bar incumbent MKs from running in district primaries. Instead, he will support the petition of MK Afif Abd, who entered the Knesset following the resignation of Yoav Gallant and argues that his short tenure exempts him from the ruling's rationale regarding political advantages.

Embarrassment on Air or a Planned Ambush? The Truth Behind the Bennett Report
A video featuring a Channel 14 reporter and a recruit who identified Naftali Bennett as a government official has sparked debate. Evidence suggests the incident may have been staged by a Yesh Atid activist.
Chili Tropper: 'We Will Not Complete Netanyahu's Coalition'
In an interview with 103FM, MK Chili Tropper stated that his party, 'The Zionist-Reservists Home,' aims to form a broad Zionist government and will not join a coalition dependent on non-Zionist factions. He also criticized the government's handling of the draft law and its treatment of military commanders.
Rebellion in Likud: David Amsalem 'Crowns' Gadi Eisenkot
Minister David Amsalem criticized Benjamin Netanyahu in a radio interview while offering unexpected praise for Gadi Eisenkot. The remarks have sparked significant political debate within the Likud party.

From Labor primaries to Yisrael Beiteinu: "Since October 7, everyone has moved to the right, and so have I"
Lili Ben-Ami, founder of the Michal Sela Forum, named after her sister who was murdered by her husband, shares with Ynet her decision to return to political life and join Yisrael Beiteinu: "I am coming to influence, not for positions or chairs. Who is voicing the concerns of women at risk in the Knesset today?"

"Cheap populism": Yair Golan on the ultra-Orthodox draft
During a panel discussion at the Molad Institute, Democrats party chairman Yair Golan criticized the public discourse surrounding the ultra-Orthodox draft. He labeled the topic a victim of "cheap populism" and emphasized that the IDF is not prepared to accommodate thousands of recruits requiring special conditions such as gender-segregated training and intensive guidance.
Amsalem Sparks Commotion in Likud: "His Place Is in the Opposition"
David Amsalem's remarks favoring the inclusion of Gadi Eisenkot into the Likud have ignited a sharp confrontation on the right: Avi Dichter offered support, Tali Gottlieb attacked, and Itamar Ben Gvir used the opportunity to send a message to Benjamin Netanyahu.
Yinon Magal is furious at David Amsalem: 'He decided he wants to lose the election'
Radio 103FM hosts Ben Caspit and Yinon Magal argued following Minister David Amsalem's remarks that he would be happy to see Gadi Eisenkot in the Likud. Magal attacked the former Chief of Staff, while Caspit claimed that the criticism against him actually strengthens him.
David Amsalem: "Gadi Eisenkot's Natural Place is in Likud"
Minister David Amsalem discussed internal Likud party processes and Gadi Eisenkot's political future in an interview with 103fm. He emphasized the importance of ideological continuity and leadership experience during the current national crisis.

Naftali Bennett arrived at Ariel Sharon Park and refused to be interviewed by Channel 14
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett arrived this morning at an enlistment event for the Artillery Corps at Ariel Sharon Park, where he ignored the presence of the Channel 14 crew.

Gotliv jumps to the top while senior ministers slide: Likud members' survey
A survey of "free voters," who represent about half of the party's membership, reveals the current mood. The Knesset Speaker leads the pack, followed by MKs Gotliv, Saada, and Bismuth. The survey also highlights who members want to see in Netanyahu's reserved slots.

David Amsalem backs Likud court ruling: "It is a fair and justified decision"
Likud Minister David Amsalem expressed his support for the party court's decision to bar MKs and ministers from running in district slots during primaries. Amsalem noted that the party's election bylaws have always maintained a clear distinction between these categories.
Yoav Segalovitz signs agreement with Mansour Abbas: his spot on the list confirmed
Segalovitz is expected to take the second spot on the Ra'am party list for the Knesset, subject to the finalization of all agreements between the parties.

Lily Ben-Ami joins Yisrael Beiteinu: "We will lead the country to where it needs to be"
The founder of the Michal Sela Forum for the prevention of violence against women has joined the Yisrael Beiteinu party. Ben-Ami established the organization following the murder of her sister. In 2019, she ran for the Knesset with the Labor Party.

Finance and Environmental Ministries Clash as Waste Crisis Deepens
The power struggle between the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Finance has led to the blocking of tenders for new waste treatment facilities. Israel continues to landfill 80% of its waste, nearly double the OECD average.

Sharren Haskel: 'I Stand by My Affidavit. My Faction Behaved Meanly Toward Me'
MK Sharren Haskel, in an interview with the '120 and One' podcast, discusses her departure from the New Hope party, the affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court regarding the State Comptroller vote, and her plans to establish a new right-wing movement, 'Israel First'.

Parents of Nova victims are still waiting for the appointment of a State Comptroller
The absence of a State Comptroller since July 2026 is blocking the publication of audit reports, including those regarding the Nova festival security. The appointment is currently stalled due to political tensions and the upcoming election cycle.

Irit Linor attacks Naftali Bennett: "This is not feminism"
On the «Patriotim» show, panelist Irit Linor criticized Naftali Bennett’s decision to add four more women to the «BeYachad» list. Linor argued that this move does not reflect true feminism, emphasizing that her own view is based on meritocracy and equality of opportunity, rather than equality of outcomes.

Poll: About 70% fear election disruption — and how many support involvement in an attack on Iran?
The Israel Democracy Institute published the results of a new poll conducted as part of the «Israeli Voice» index for July. The poll presents an up-to-date picture of the positions of the Israeli public on key political, security, and social issues: the campaign against Iran, the situation in the territories, and the upcoming elections.