Politics — Israel news in English
The latest politics from across Israeli media, translated and compared. 48 recent stories.
New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani Compares Himself to Nelson Mandela Over Israel Criticism Allegations
New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani compared himself to Nelson Mandela, stating both faced accusations of antisemitism for criticizing Israel, and stressed the importance of standing fir…
Israel Removes Age Limit for Foster Parents and Eases Mental Health Treatment for Foster Children
Israel's Knesset has removed the age limit for foster parents and simplified the process for providing psychiatric medication to foster children, allowing foster parents to act wi…
Trump Blames Canada for Poor Forest Management and Threatens Tariffs Over Air Pollution
President Trump accuses Canada of neglecting forest management, causing harmful air pollution in the U.S., and threatens to increase tariffs.
Netanyahu's Alliance With Ultra-Orthodox Parties Nears End as Knesset Dissolves
The alliance between Prime Minister Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox parties is ending with the Knesset's dissolution, as these parties consider new political partnerships ahead of th…
Trump Urges Late Senator Lindsey Graham's Sister to Run for South Carolina Senate Seat
Donald Trump met with Darlin Graham Nordone, sister of late Senator Lindsey Graham, and urged her to run for South Carolina's Senate seat in the August 11 special election, offeri…
Likud Expected to Cancel Primaries by Forming Arranging Committee Amid Internal Disputes
Likud plans to cancel its primaries by forming an arranging committee, avoiding a scandal and postponing internal elections until August. Netanyahu faces challenges securing suppo…
Israel Launches Operation to Fly Tens of Thousands of Voters Home for Elections
Israel is conducting a major operation to fly tens of thousands of citizens abroad back home to vote in the 2026 elections, shifting focus from concerns about Arab voters arriving…
Israel Begins Election Period as Public Rates Coalition and Opposition Poorly
Israel has officially entered its election period following the dissolution of the 25th Knesset. A Channel 13 poll shows both the coalition and opposition receiving low public app…
IDF Chief Emphasizes Extended Conscription Does Not Replace Need for Draft Law
The IDF Personnel Chief clarified that extending mandatory service to 32 months does not replace the need for a formal draft law, following the Knesset's decision to keep service…
Israeli Reservist Released After Eight Months Detention in Thailand, Netanyahu Pledges Support
Israeli reservist A was released after eight months detained in Thailand for carrying a loaded magazine during his honeymoon. Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke with him and his famil…
Andy Burnham Faces Political Trap as UK’s New PM Amid Dual Party Challenges
Andy Burnham becomes the UK’s seventh prime minister in a decade amid political instability and dual challenges from the right-wing Reform Party and the left-wing Greens. He aims…
Yinon Megal Surprises Hosts Noam Petah and Shay Goldstein with Live Studio Visit
Yinon Megal surprised Noam Petah and Shay Goldstein with an unannounced live studio visit on Channel 14, sparking a humorous exchange. During the visit, Petah questioned Megal abo…
Comedian Sends Offensive Cake to Late Senator Lindsey Graham's Office on Sister's Swearing-In Day
Comedian Elizabeth Booker Houston sent a provocative cake mocking late Senator Lindsey Graham's death to his office on the day his sister Darline was sworn in to replace him, spar…
Finance Minister Smotrich Blames Left-Wing Incitement for Gush Etzion Vehicle Attack
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich condemned a vehicle attack on settlers in Gush Etzion, blaming left-wing incitement by Yair Golan and others. He called on President Herzog to de…
Saudi-Israeli Normalization Falters Amid Regional Conflict and Political Stalemate
A planned Saudi-Israeli normalization deal linked to a regional infrastructure project and peace efforts in Gaza collapsed due to Israeli political resistance, despite U.S. and Sa…
Majority Opposes Recent Knesset Laws and Views Politicians as Self-Serving, Poll Finds
A July 2026 poll shows 42% of Israelis plan to vote for opposition parties, with most opposing recent Knesset laws and viewing politicians as self-serving. Public opinion on Shin…
Orit Struck Reflects on Her Tenure as Knesset 25 Closes, Calls It a Time of Miracles
Minister Orit Struck bids farewell as the 25th Knesset closes, reflecting on a challenging yet miraculous tenure marked by unity and national resilience. She thanks her party, sup…
Israeli Ministers and MKs to Join Massive March for Jewish Resettlement in Gaza Ahead of Elections
Dozens of Israeli ministers and Knesset members will join a large march on Sunday to promote Jewish resettlement in Gaza before elections, with thousands expected to participate…
Itzik Boncel Warns Right-Wing Voters Against Complacency Ahead of Israeli Elections
Itzik Boncel warns right-wing voters against complacency ahead of Israel's elections, urging increased turnout and unity to prevent vote splitting. He supports refreshing Likud's…
Democratic Candidate Moran Zar Katzenstein Cancels Dialogue Event With MK Zvi Sukkot
Democratic Party candidate Moran Zar Katzenstein canceled a dialogue event with MK Zvi Sukkot, citing her refusal to engage in reconciliation with him. Sukkot criticized her decis…
Rabbi Lebanon Hails New Kashrut Law as Revolutionary for Israel
Rabbi Elyakim Lebanon praised the Israeli Knesset's approval of a new Kashrut law, calling it a major achievement after over a decade of effort. He thanked key officials involved…
Yinon Magal Accuses Left-Wing Media of Lying About Gender Separation Law in Israeli Academia
Yinon Magal accused left-wing media on Channel 14 of lying about the gender separation law in Israeli academia, highlighting discrepancies between media reports and the actual law…
Itamar Fleishman Rejects Calls to Leave Israel Amid Government Legislation Debate
Itamar Fleishman, a panelist on Channel 14, firmly rejected calls to leave Israel amid controversial government legislation, emphasizing his commitment to the country and criticiz…
Parliamentary Advisors Secure Major Employment Gains After Silent Protest in Knesset
Parliamentary advisors in the Israeli Knesset ended a silent protest by securing significant employment improvements, including higher subsidies and meal provisions, after threate…
Police Review Incendiary Social Media Post by Activist Targeting Netanyahu
Activist Yishai Hadas posted a controversial message interpreted as incitement against Prime Minister Netanyahu, prompting public outcry and police review. The Israel Police are e…
Violent Dispute Erupts in Arad City Council Meeting with Mutual Police Complaints
A violent confrontation at an Arad city council meeting led to mutual police complaints between Mayor Yair Maayan and opposition members Nissan Ben Hamo and Moshe Reichman. Maayan…
Likud Reveals Recording to Challenge Injunction Halting Party Primaries
Likud exposed a recording proving its Constitution Committee rejected a Social Forum proposal, challenging a court injunction that halted party primaries. The party alleges the So…
Knesset Approves First Reading for National Center Honoring Rabbi Nachman of Breslov
The Israeli Knesset approved in a first reading a bill to establish a national center dedicated to Rabbi Nachman of Breslov's legacy, including a research institute and museum. Th…
Israel's Yesodot Party Passes Electoral Threshold, Likud and Yisrael Achieve 22 Seats Each
A Maariv poll shows the Israel Foundations party led by Hili Trooper and Yoaz Hendel passing the electoral threshold with four seats, while Likud and Yisrael each hold 22 seats. N…
Israeli Attorney General Orders Restraint After Knesset Dissolution Ahead of Elections
Following the official dissolution of Israel's 25th Knesset, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara instructed the outgoing government to exercise legal restraint during the election…
Israeli Minister Shikli Urges Right-Wing Unity to Avoid Electoral Defeat
Israeli Minister Amichai Shikli calls for strategic coordination among right-wing parties to prevent vote splitting and potential defeat in upcoming elections. He highlights gover…
MK Michael Biton Praises Minister Itzhak Veselov for Effective Leadership and Calls for His Role in Next Government
MK Michael Biton praised Minister Itzhak Veselov for his dedicated leadership and responsiveness in advancing regional projects, urging his inclusion in the next government. Vesel…
Israeli President Herzog Expresses Hope for Peace and Normalization with Saudi Arabia in Rare Saudi TV Interview
Israeli President Isaac Herzog gave a rare interview to Saudi Al-Arabiya TV, expressing hope for peace and normalization with Saudi Arabia. He praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Sa…
Itamar Ben Gvir Rejects Attorney General's Authority During Caretaker Government Period
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir rejected Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara's directive limiting government decisions during the caretaker period, escalating tensions…
MK Michael Malchieli Criticizes Bureaucrats for Undermining Government Authority
MK Michael Malchieli accused bureaucrats and legal advisors of undermining government decisions and acting without accountability, reflecting public frustration. He also criticize…
Israeli Law Requires Businesses to Record and Provide Sales Call Recordings Over 750 Shekels
The Israeli Knesset passed a law requiring businesses to record sales calls over 750 shekels and provide recordings to consumers within 10 days. The law aims to protect consumers…
Haredi Education Officials Face Legal Threat Over Discriminatory Seminar Hearings in Beit Shemesh
The Haredi district office of Israel's Ministry of Education, led by Shai Calderon, faces accusations of discriminatory enforcement and illegal pressure against a leading Lithuani…
Israeli Attorney General Urges Ministers to Exercise Restraint During Caretaker Government
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara advised Israeli ministers to act with restraint in appointments and budget use during the caretaker government to avoid misuse or imposing deci…
Eric Trump Meets Baku Chief Rabbi to Discuss Israel-Azerbaijan Ties and South Caucasus Peace
Eric Trump met with Baku's Chief Rabbi Zamir Isayev at the U.S. Congress to discuss Israel-Azerbaijan relations, regional peace efforts, and community ties. They highlighted the s…
Yariv Oppenheimer Attacks Naor Narkis Ahead of Democratic Party Primaries
Yariv Oppenheimer criticized Naor Narkis ahead of the Democratic Party primaries, accusing him of ideological inconsistency and warning against his election due to past statements…
Israeli Knesset Passes Law Establishing National Memorial for October 7 Massacre
The Israeli Knesset passed a law establishing a national memorial and annual remembrance day for the October 7 massacre, creating a dedicated authority and memorial site near the…
Israeli Influence Campaign in US Sparks Major Backlash in Trump Administration
An expensive Israeli influence campaign in the US aimed at conservative audiences to support Israel and oppose the Iran deal sparked outrage in the Trump administration. The campa…
Aryeh Deri Uses Media to Address Pressures Within Ultra-Orthodox Community Amid Political Challenges
Aryeh Deri, leader of Shas, has increased media activity to address pressure from the ultra-Orthodox community after limited political achievements and legal setbacks in Israel's…
Sanz Rebbe Condemns Religious Zionist Leaders Amid Protest Over Hasidic Imprisonments
Thousands of Sanz Hasidim protested outside a military detention center in Kfar Yona after two community members were sentenced to 20 days in military jail for draft evasion. The…
Israeli Parliament Mandates Voice Message Accessibility for Kosher Phone Users in Public Services
The Israeli Knesset passed a law requiring public agencies to send official digital notifications as voice messages to kosher phone users, ensuring they receive timely information…
New Israeli Settlement Eival Established in Northern West Bank Amid Strategic Expansion
Israeli families, including the Samrelovskys, have begun settling the new Eival community in northern Samaria, marking a key expansion in the West Bank. Supported by Shomron Regio…
Former Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto Joins Chinese Automaker BYD Amid Environmental Probe
Former Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto resigns from Parliament to lead foreign relations at Chinese automaker BYD amid environmental concerns and ongoing investigations…
Colombia Withdraws Complaint Against Israel at The Hague and Plans Embassy in Jerusalem
Colombia's incoming government will withdraw its intervention in a lawsuit against Israel at The Hague and restore full diplomatic ties, including opening an embassy in Jerusalem…
