Politics

During 'The Patriots' program, panelist Avi Shoshan revealed on Wednesday that he changed his mind about Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas after watching a documentary by Arab affairs correspondent Omri Haim. Shoshan, who previously expressed positive views toward Abbas, admitted that the content presented in the film created a deep internal conflict for him.

The opposition's joy over the ban on using live reporting apps from polling stations is quite puzzling. Given their organizational structure, this decision may actually deprive them of a significant advantage.

During "The Patriots" program broadcast on Wednesday, panelist Yaki Adamker shared his experience from Haredi radio, where he warned listeners against the Likud's attitude toward the Haredi public. According to him, even if Likud grants the Haredim their requests in the short term, the party will eventually "use and discard" them, leading to "damage for generations."

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?"

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.

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'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.