Politics

Ahead of the primaries on Monday, we revisit the movement that attempted to shake the ruling party from within, was labeled a "Trojan horse," and was eventually erased. Likud researcher Gil Samsonov explains where the founders went wrong, whether a similar organization could return, and the critical importance of free voters in the primaries.

Between the cafes, the butcher shop, and the fish store: a tour of the Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem with various voices — from right-wing voters who do not hide their criticism of the current government, to parliament members hoping for a turnaround.

From deep-sea gas exploration to the reliability of our power grid: we assessed the performance of Energy Minister Eli Cohen. Electricity supply has become more reliable and gas companies have resumed exploration, though renewable energy targets remain unmet. 'Performance Traffic Light' — a special report.

In Israel, unlike most Western countries, only those physically present in the country on election day are allowed to vote, with the exception of a small group of public officials. Ahead of the upcoming election cycle, a debate is emerging over organized flights bringing Israelis from abroad to vote, and whether this constitutes illegal election financing. Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel...

Inflation in Iran is skyrocketing, trade with key partners is plummeting, and fuel shortages are worsening. In Washington, plans are underway to further tighten the naval blockade, expand sanctions, and target the financial assets of the IRGC. A senior official in the Iranian Chamber of Commerce warns: "We do not have the capacity to cope with a severe naval blockade for more than three months."

Likud MK Tali Gottlieb addressed recent media reports concerning her ahead of the party primaries, claiming that journalists are attempting to influence voters. According to Gottlieb, she received a message from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office advising her to ignore such reports.

A post published by Minister of Transport Miri Regev ahead of the Likud primaries sparked a storm online after it was revealed that the photo showing her alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is an edited image from 2022.

In an interview, Dana Golan discussed the pressure and allegations she faces in politics. She stated that she has become the target of a violent persecution campaign that also affects her loved ones, but emphasized that she does not intend to back down.

The chairman of the "Democrats" party, Yair Golan, issued a sharp critique of Benny Gantz, claiming his past decisions saved the Netanyahu government. Golan labeled these actions an "unforgivable mistake" and suggested Gantz should retire from politics.

Did Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believe in real time that the judicial reform led by Justice Minister Yariv Levin was complicating things for him? In a special interview with C14, Prof. Yaron Zelekha revealed details of a meeting he held with Netanyahu on the eve of October 7, including a highly unusual statement attributed to the Prime Minister.

A new Haredi party named "Black Color" is set to launch ahead of the upcoming elections, aiming to secure draft exemptions for Torah students. By mobilizing mainstream Haredi voters, the movement threatens to disrupt the traditional power base of Shas and United Torah Judaism.

Protest organizations are returning to Habima Square to demand the establishment of a state commission of inquiry, equality in the burden of service, and the protection of election integrity. Organizers warn against the use of public resources for political purposes.

An update to the High Court of Justice has revealed the mechanisms behind the formation of the new PID search committee. The Attorney General has joined petitioners calling for a halt to the appointments, citing political bias.

Former Knesset Speaker and former Chairman of the Jewish Agency Avraham Burg has joined "Mekom Le-Kulanu" ("A Place for All of Us"), a new Israeli party shared by Jews and Arabs. Established in June 2026, the party is led by activists Rula Daoud and Alon-Lee Green.

The State of Israel is heading to elections, and the 'Mashrokit' (Whistle) of Globes brings the latest polls from all media outlets. Who is strengthening, who is weakening, and how does it affect the balance of power between the camps? And this time: nothing new? Perhaps that is exactly the novelty.

"Maariv" pollster, Dr. Menachem Lazar, analyzed the results of the latest mandate poll - five mandates are "burned" by parties that do not pass the electoral threshold, and the sector from which a major drama is expected.

Weeks before the closing of the lists for the 26th Knesset elections, the battle for new recruits is in full swing. Some have passed primaries and others were parachuted in by party leaders, and their positions are still unclear. Just this week, a "shark" shielded by Netanyahu and an Olympic medalist who lost his most precious entered the arena. In recent months, protest activists, entrepreneurs...

This week, Likud polling stations will open for a high-stakes battle for only 15 realistic spots for incumbent Knesset members. Benjamin Netanyahu is utilizing 'hit lists' and working to curb the influence of Tali Gottlieb, though he may moderate his push for reserved spots due to internal party friction. Meanwhile, in online videos, he highlights political achievements while ignoring the week's...

Kibbutz Kfar Aza developed a plan to commemorate the October 7 massacre, but the Ministry of Heritage, led by Minister Amichai Eliyahu, offered a meager budget conditional on holding veto power over the commemoration's content. The kibbutz leadership rejected this, stating the government's only claim is to the failure itself. KKL-JNF has stepped in to provide 15 million shekels for the project.

Ahead of the Likud primaries, Benjamin Netanyahu has refrained from endorsing incumbent ministers or Knesset members. The only exception is Almog Cohen, who recently joined the party. Meanwhile, Transport Minister Miri Regev, lacking an endorsement video, shared an AI-edited photo from four years ago to imply support.

First publication: For years, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has used Israeli clearing for the Palestinian banking system as a tool of pressure. At a recent cabinet meeting, Itamar Ben Gvir told him: "You sold your principles for the sake of building a few houses." The Shin Bet under David Zini warned that without financial oxygen for banks in the West Bank, the PA faces collapse.

Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman revealed in an interview with "Maariv" that he has prepared a framework for the premiership that the entire opposition bloc will support. He also criticized small parties for running independently, warning that they will fail to pass the electoral threshold.

In a warning letter sent to the former Prime Minister, it is claimed that a video in which he holds a baby violates election law and raises concerns of child abuse. Bennett is required to remove the content by Sunday; otherwise, a petition will be filed with the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee.

A stormy wave of resignations was recorded this week in the Knesset just before the closing of the lists. Ahead of the upcoming elections, the corridors of the legislature in Jerusalem are noisy and turbulent. The current upheaval is just the opening shot, and the major dramas of this election campaign are still ahead of us.

In the Prime Minister's circle, there is fear that MKs who are pushed out in the primaries will take revenge by supporting a constructive vote of no confidence. The main name that came up in closed-door conversations as someone who might lead the ouster move from within Likud: Yuli Edelstein.

Right-wing activist Berale Crombie harshly attacked Zehut party chairman Moshe Feiglin and explained why he opposes joining forces with him. Baruch Marzel came to Feiglin's defense.

Member of Knesset Elazar Stern has announced his resignation from the Yesh Atid party and his intention to step down from the Knesset. He expressed his gratitude to party leader Yair Lapid for their years of partnership.

Internal polls conducted by Likud ministers and MKs revealed that for 80% of registered members, the battle against the Supreme Court and the Attorney General is the most burning issue. What started as the message of an unpopular politician has become the central spine of the party's platform.

Likud MK Tsega Melaku announced today (Friday) her withdrawal from the party's primaries ahead of the 26th Knesset elections. The MK's decision comes after the party's court accepted a petition against her, preventing her from running for the new immigrants' slot on the list. Melaku, who immigrated to Israel in the eighties, was blocked from running in this slot following a petition filed against...

The Minister of Finance spoke with members of the Bnei Akiva movement and addressed the issue of conscription. Criticizing the position of the Haredi parties, he clarified that the Torah does not serve as a refuge from bearing national and military responsibility.

Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman refuse to commit to supporting the leader of the bloc who receives the most mandates. Lieberman explicitly states that Gadi Eizenkot is "not yet ripe" for the premiership. Are they preparing the ground for a government led by them?

Noam party chairman MK Avi Maoz participated in the Rosh Chodesh Elul prayer at the Western Wall plaza on Friday alongside party activists. Following the prayer, he vowed to pass the Western Wall Law early in the next parliamentary term.

Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the IDF to draft a plan transferring enforcement powers regarding Israeli citizens in Judea and Samaria to the police. Katz argues that the military should focus exclusively on counter-terrorism and border defense rather than civilian law enforcement.

Attorney Ofer Bartal in an interview about the struggle waged by police officers who were not promoted because of Minister Itamar Ben Gvir ("He wants to be a kind of super-commissioner"), the candidacy of Bakshi for the Supreme Court, and what advice he would give to Yonatan Urich.

Days before the Likud primaries, MK David Bitan stated that he would have refused a reserved spot if offered. He addressed the issue of Haredi conscription, emphasizing their importance to the right-wing bloc, and commented on his relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu.

The prominent British presenter reacted sharply to Netanyahu's remark, which echoed a statement by the US Vice President from 2024. He said: "Someone said that the first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons will be the Islamic Republic of Britain."

Amid internal struggles in Likud, unrest in the West Bank, and progress on Gaza settlement plans, the coalition bloc has weakened to 48 mandates. Gadi Eisenkot has opened an 11% lead over Benjamin Netanyahu in suitability for Prime Minister.

Senior officials claim that Gadi Eisenkot's pressure to establish his candidacy is harming the camp. According to them, instead of preparing for the risk of defectors and backing the Democrats party, the preoccupation with a personal campaign is paralyzing staff work.

Hadash held an event in Tel Aviv this Thursday to present its Knesset candidate list, focusing on promoting Arab-Jewish partnership and the goal of re-establishing the Joint List ahead of the upcoming elections.

After a prolonged evacuation and numerous promises, Israel's northernmost city is still in the midst of an unprecedented disaster. Likud traditionally receives an overwhelming majority, but the feeling of abandonment puts loyalty to the test: between the Betar supporters who cannot imagine another ballot, and the residents who give the government a grade of "zero". Key voices, second part of the...