Politics

Ultra-Orthodox leaders escalate election rhetoric as Shas chief Aryeh Deri admits to a strategy of buying time on the draft law, drawing sharp criticism from Naftali Bennett and Yisrael Beytenu.

Political representatives debated security and Gaza policy at a conference in Kibbutz Nahal Oz ahead of the October 27 Knesset elections, facing sharp criticism from local residents over the ongoing conflict.

Consul General in New York Ofir Akunis called for a broad national unity government during an event in the Hamptons, urging an end to political boycotts.

A growing strategic dispute emerges within the Israeli opposition as Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party aims to become the largest faction, while The Democrats emphasize building the overall bloc.

Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed to block the return of displaced residents to West Bank refugee camps, defying the Supreme Court and threatening special legislation.

A Tel Aviv emergency conference addressed foreign interference and disinformation ahead of the upcoming elections, as polls show 81% of Israelis demand strict social media regulation.

Research on AI in Israel's 2026 election campaign reveals political parties heavily favor Facebook and Instagram for static AI content over TikTok, employing contrasting strategies from fear-based ads to humorous animations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set for a special Channel 14 interview as Israel's October 2026 election campaign intensifies amid shifting poll numbers.

Yisrael Hofsheet demanded sanctions against Haredi schools whose students and teachers protested for draft evaders during school hours, violating education guidelines.

The Ministry of Finance plans a cross-board budget cut across ministries before the elections to inject billions of shekels into the defense establishment for urgent needs.

Israel's first Democracy Festival at BIG FASHION Glilot brings together political leaders from across the spectrum for open public debates ahead of the upcoming elections.

The High Court of Justice ruled that the National Insurance Institute can no longer appoint or manage doctors on its medical committees, shifting authority to the Minister of Labor to eliminate conflicts of interest.

The IDF is deploying over 800 polling stations for active duty and reserve soldiers ahead of the October 27 Knesset elections, operating across borders in a challenging security reality.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk accused the previous government of sharing sensitive intelligence with Israel via the Pegasus spyware, sparking political backlash.

The Israeli Supreme Court ruled that political parties cannot access real-time voter turnout data, protecting privacy and setting crucial boundaries for digital campaign tactics.

An ultra-Orthodox party launched a campaign targeting both its base and tens of thousands of alienated religious Zionist voters seeking a right-wing alternative.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned condescending remarks made against right-wing voters on a podcast, urging supporters to respond at the ballot box.

The Gur Hasidic dynasty shows unusual restraint in the upcoming election campaign, sparking tensions within the United Torah Judaism party over potential political shifts.

The Israel Internet Association has urged major tech companies and AI providers to implement robust electoral protection mechanisms ahead of the upcoming 26th Knesset elections to counter foreign interference and disinformation.

President Isaac Herzog warned that the Israel Police is overwhelmed and called for a larger force, while condemning extremist West Bank violence as a moral stain ahead of upcoming elections.

With two weeks until the Knesset elections, Likud is targeting Otzma Yehudit, Ofer Winter, and Yoaz Hendel's faction while boosting turnout to secure the right-wing bloc.

The Ministry of Welfare canceled a 61 million shekel tender to operate a homeless center after discovering the winning company is owned by the mother of a former senior ministry official who helped draft the process.

A mutual suspicion persists between Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid's parties within the "Be-yachad" list regarding potential post-election splits and coalition maneuvers.

Likud and Religious Zionism are strengthening their political alliance ahead of the upcoming elections, launching a joint field operation and vote-surplus agreement while isolating National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir faced sharp protests at a Jerusalem student conference, sparking outrage after claiming he granted pardons to the Ethiopian community.

Yashar! party leader Gadi Eisenkot rejected political labels from retired Gen. Yossi Bachar, defended the strike on Iran's leadership, and pledged to dismantle Hamas within two years.

The "Noam LeYisrael" party is bolstering its campaign with veteran strategists and thousands of activists as it pushes to cross the electoral threshold in the upcoming Knesset elections.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett blamed Zionist parties for the Haredi enlistment crisis at an election conference in Jerusalem, while Gadi Eisenkot rejected any future political partnership with Benjamin Netanyahu.

Naftali Bennett unveiled a sweeping political platform promising substantial housing and daycare benefits for IDF reservists while cutting state funding for ultra-Orthodox draft evaders.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated during a Likud faction meeting that the political blocs are tied at 60:60, emphasizing that boosting right-wing voter turnout is crucial to secure a victory.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the PUSH news page on Instagram, demanding transparency regarding alleged paid political content and partisan bias.

An intense public clash broke out between Zehut leader Moshe Feiglin and American commentator Tucker Carlson over remarks comparing Israel's Gaza strategy to WWII bombings.

Central Election Committee Chairman Justice Noam Solberg ordered National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to remove a prison visit video following a petition over election propaganda.

MK Gadi Eisenkot criticized political appointments in government and warned of critical documentation gaps from early wartime security meetings during a conference.

Ultra-Orthodox parties face limited coalition options following the upcoming Knesset elections, with Degel HaTorah officials suggesting potential outside support amid deep disputes over the conscription law.

A district court rejected Sara Netanyahu's request to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed by The Democrats leader Yair Golan over October 7 remarks.

At the National Youth Conference in Jerusalem, student groups highlighted the draft law, cost of living, and security as top priorities ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections, featuring statements from Naftali Bennett, Yoaz Hendel, and Itamar Ben Gvir.

Reservists party leader Yoaz Hendel urged Ofer Winter to leave Benjamin Netanyahu's political bloc, while Winter rejected coalitions involving the left or Arab factions.

With 16 days until the elections, the Religious Zionism party launched a campaign targeting opposition leaders and warning against wasting votes on factions polling below the electoral threshold.

Amcha Yisrael representative Aviv Ezra stated that his party will not rely on UTJ leader Yitzhak Goldknopf to form a coalition, while refusing to clarify future ties with Benjamin Netanyahu.