Shakuf

Israeli Knesset Poised for Record Female Representation Amidst Leadership Gaps

Israeli election polls indicate a potential record number of women elected to the next Knesset, but also a significant absence of female party leaders and continued exclusion by ultra-Orthodox parties.

Israeli Parties Vie for Education Ministry, Debating Core Curriculum and National Identity

Education Minister's Calendar Reveals Focus on Haredi and West Bank Sectors

An analysis of Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch's calendar reveals a disproportionate focus on Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) education and West Bank settlements, with significantly less documented attention to secular education. This comes as Israel's PISA test scores have reached historic lows.

Nesher Cement Plant Emissions Rise Despite Environmental Ministry Claims

New data reveals that emissions from the Nesher cement plant have increased by 6% in 2025, despite the Ministry of Environmental Protection's claims of overall pollution reduction. The plant's significant mercury and particulate matter emissions are raising health concerns among residents and experts.

Energy Ministry's Top Officials Largely Ignored Desalination Warnings

An investigation into the work logs of Israel's senior energy officials revealed minimal attention to desalination warnings, despite a major crisis in September 2026 caused by an algae bloom. The logs showed a lack of focus on the issue, even after a critical State Comptroller report highlighted potential risks.

Israeli Prison Service Becomes Political Tool for National Security Minister

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has allegedly turned the Israel Prison Service into a political campaign tool, using its resources to promote harsh policies against Palestinian prisoners. This transformation, accelerated after the October 7th attacks, has involved creating propaganda videos and exerting control through appointments, with limited judicial or legal oversight.

Israeli Police and PM's Security Detail Point Weapons at Civilians

An article criticizes Israeli police and the Prime Minister's security detail for pointing weapons at civilians without apparent cause, citing social media posts from Haifa police and incidents involving the PM's security in Tel Aviv. It argues such actions are unjustified and potentially dangerous, drawing parallels to settler violence in the West Bank.

Israeli Opposition Leader's Party Places LGBTQ+ Advocate in Unlikely Knesset Seat

Opposition leader Yair Lapid's party has placed LGBTQ+ advocate Yorai Lahav-Hertzanu in a low, potentially non-viable position on their Knesset list. This decision has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ organizations concerned about diminished representation, while other prominent LGBTQ+ figures also face uncertain electoral futures.

Women's Representation in Israeli TV News Remains Low

A report on Israeli TV news broadcasts found women comprised less than a quarter of visual presence, dropping to under a fifth in studio panels. Kan 11 showed the highest representation, while Channel 14 had the lowest. The study analyzed prime-time news and current affairs programs across five channels.

Netanyahu Erased Red Line Between Likud and Kahanism, Analyst Argues

An analysis argues that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has systematically erased the historical boundary between the Likud party and Kahanist ideology. This process, marked by the appointment of Itamar Ben-Gvir as National Security Minister and the integration of Kahanist politicians into Likud, has normalized extremist views within the Israeli right, potentially at the cost of Likud's own electoral strength.

Bus Driver Attacks Rise, Highlighting Safety Concerns and Systemic Failures

Bus drivers in Israel face a surge in violent attacks, with many incidents targeting Arab drivers and often including racist remarks. Despite official condemnation and limited security measures, the problem persists due to a lack of consistent enforcement, data collection, and adequate protective solutions.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch Criticized for Transparency Failures

Israel's Education Minister Yoav Kisch faced criticism for a significant increase in processing times for freedom of information requests, alongside an alleged attempt to suppress unfavorable national test results. While the ministry now fulfills more requests, the delays have lengthened considerably, and the attempt to withhold exam data was only reversed after the Attorney General intervened.

Israel Braces for Post-Election Disinformation Campaigns

Israel is preparing for a potential wave of post-election disinformation campaigns, amplified by social media and AI, that could undermine public trust in election results. Authorities and media outlets are urged to develop rapid response plans to counter false narratives and educate the public on the vote-counting process.

Live-Streaming Activists Redefined Protest Coverage in Israel

A study highlights how "activist-broadcasters" used live-streaming during Israel's 2020 Balfour Street protests to shape public perception and alter on-the-ground dynamics. These individuals acted as both participants and journalists, offering unfiltered, real-time coverage that engaged viewers and influenced events.