Knesset

Haredi parties back down as a bill advancing in a 6-4 committee vote will not equate Torah study with IDF service under the Basic Law. Combat veterans with PTSD interrupted the hearing, accusing politicians of exploiting them for political gain.

Levin urges the Knesset to ignore a High Court order requiring a new election for the state comptroller position. The Justice minister supports Michael Rabello taking the job despite the court's directive, while Eisenkot criticizes Levin as an enemy of Israeli democracy.

The Knesset voted to split a controversial bill aimed at reducing the power of the attorney general, though the legislation would still permit the government to disregard the AG's rulings. The Knesset also approved a media overhaul bill and a bill to expand gender segregation in academia for final votes.

The Knesset voted to split a controversial bill aimed at eroding the power of the attorney general, which will no longer make the AG's legal positions binding for the government. A group of IDF reservists accused Channel 14 of harming national security.

The Knesset passed a controversial bill in its first reading to establish a politically appointed probe into the Oct. 7 events, with a 59-0 vote due to opposition boycott. The opposition accuses the government of whitewashing its role in the disaster by allowing the government to appoint the investigative panel.

IDF veteran Itzik Saidyan, who self-immolated, urges the Knesset to prioritize combat soldiers over declaring Torah study a foundational value in a Basic Law. He argues the highest priority should be given to soldiers 'who go into battle... who feel forgotten.'

Edelstein splits from Likud, becoming the latest senior Likud politician to go independent, though breaking free from Netanyahu's influence may not be simple.

The Knesset is expected to dissolve on July 17, setting the stage for an election on October 27. The government had previously shelved plans for an earlier vote, now aligning with the latest possible date for the election.

The IDF chief warns of a military personnel shortage and urges extending mandatory service after a bill to protect Haredi draft evaders passed its first reading in the Knesset. A senior military officer emphasized soldiers must be prioritized amid concerns over the new Basic Law on Torah study.

Israel's Knesset approved a bill in its preliminary reading to ban the broadcasting of the call to prayer from mosques via loudspeakers. The legislation, introduced by Otzma Yehudit and backed by Yisrael Beiteinu, requires explicit authorization for mosque sound systems. Palestinian National Council head Rawhi Fattouh condemned the bill as a violation of freedom of worship.

The Knesset advanced a bill proposed by far-right MK Zvika Fogel to reduce the volume of mosque calls to prayer. Fogel framed the bill as addressing equal law enforcement, while Arab lawmakers highlighted the lack of efforts to address violent crime in their community.

The Knesset is advancing a Basic Law on Torah study and pushing to freeze arrests of draft dodgers. The bill heads to a first Knesset vote as the government seeks to halt enforcement, despite IDF warnings that enforcement increases enlistment.

A bill to ban Red Cross visits to Palestinian prisoners failed in the Israeli parliament with a 41-36 vote. Ultra-Orthodox coalition parties boycotted the vote over unrelated political disputes, preventing the proposal from advancing. The bill is now shelved until after October elections due to Knesset rules.

Political correspondent Ariela Karmel discusses the Knesset's agenda and challenges of building a coalition without Haredi and Arab parties ahead of the October election. The analysis focuses on how Israel's political parties are positioning themselves for the upcoming vote.

Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar plans to propose that the Israeli government officially recognize the Armenian Genocide, condemning denial or distortion. The proposal requires government approval and will be voted on in the Knesset.

The Knesset plans to hold extended discussions next week to fast-track a Basic Law on Torah study. The legal adviser has warned lawmakers against the accelerated process, as members of Knesset (MKs) aim to pass the legislation before the Knesset dissolves ahead of elections.

Almost all bills were removed from the Knesset agenda as the Haredi boycott enters its second week. Shas chairman Aryeh Deri warned that legislation benefiting yeshiva students and draft evaders must be passed, or Shas will not support any coalition legislation.

Netanyahu may dissolve the Knesset due to Haredi intransigence, as the ultra-Orthodox push bills benefiting draft evaders and boycott coalition legislation. The situation could lead to slightly earlier elections.

Knesset speaker Amir Ohana rejects a High Court request to redo a disputed state comptroller vote. Michael Rabello won in a second round after allegations that some voters were told to video themselves submitting his name in the ballot box.

The High Court urged the Knesset to redo the state comptroller election, citing concerns that members of parliament (MKs) violated the requirement for a secret ballot by recording their votes. Deputy President Sohlberg emphasized the need to conduct the process 'cleanly, properly' and instructed parliament to 'do it again' in simple Hebrew.

The Knesset granted immunity to Likud MK Gotliv for exposing a Shin Bet agent's identity. The decision followed chaotic hearings where coalition lawmakers supported Gotliv, while opposition lawmakers criticized the move as disrespectful to security forces.

After a US-Iran deal, Israel showcases its military strength but faces a strategic impasse. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pictured at the Knesset in Jerusalem.

A Knesset panel voted 11-3 to grant immunity to Gotliv for exposing a Shin Bet officer’s identity. The decision now moves to the plenum for a final vote.

Anti-government protesters criticize a bill for a political inquiry into Oct. 7, calling it a bid to avoid a state probe. A relative of a slain hostage accused Netanyahu of using 'populist, fascist' tactics. The Knesset is expected to vote on the first reading of the bill soon.

The Knesset passed a law granting the justice minister control over internal police investigations. The legislation received 43 votes in favor and 39 against, with the Attorney General criticizing it for eroding the separation between politicians and law enforcement.

Amnesty International accuses Israel's government of conducting a state-sanctioned 'ethnic cleansing' campaign against Palestinians in the West Bank through forced displacement and annexation efforts. The report cites U.N. data showing over 100 villages partially or fully emptied and 7,280 individual displacements since 2023, with Israeli officials and settlers implicated in the policy.

Tally Gotliv, a Likud MK, accused security forces of 'treason' in Knesset amid Iran attacks, claiming immunity after exposing a Shin Bet agent and promoting conspiracy theories. Haredi MKs pushed for a Basic Law to exempt Torah study participants from draft obligations.

The Pentagon has elevated the threat level of Israeli espionage against the U.S. to its highest level, according to sources. President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Netanyahu addressed the Knesset in Jerusalem.

Israel's government is intensifying attacks on the judiciary, with MPs discussing a proposal to dissolve the government during a Knesset session on May 20, 2026. The situation is described as a race to eliminate democratic institutions.

Thousands marched to Jerusalem's Knesset for Pride as elections approach, chanting 'democracy' with ballot boxes while guarded by 2,000 police officers. A partner of a soldier killed on Oct. 7 described the vote as 'fateful' for Israel.

US President Donald Trump claims the US could obtain Iran's uranium without a deal and states he has no desire to meet Iran's supreme leader. A separate statement from the Knesset legal adviser mentions a vote on the state comptroller should stand.

Jerusalem’s Pride and Tolerance march in June 2024 took a political turn by marching to Israel’s parliament, demanding legislative change and equal rights. Attendees noted progress in LGBT civil rights compared to other Middle Eastern countries but emphasized ongoing challenges.

The Knesset passed a law granting tax benefits to dozens of West Bank settlements. The law is claimed by Smotrich to prevent a Palestinian state, while the opposition accuses the finance minister of diverting funds to a voter base ahead of elections and neglecting the north.

The article discusses a proposed treaty between Israel and Lebanon to halt fighting with Hezbollah, a contentious Knesset vote for state comptroller, and a conversation with AI. Editor David Horovitz analyzes these developments in the context of recent events involving Haredi communities and political tensions.

Prime Minister Netanyahu manipulated the Knesset vote to appoint his personal attorney to the state comptroller position, an independent government oversight role. The action is criticized as prioritizing personal loyalty over democratic norms.

Coalition MKs boasted on X after arguing with Arab lawmakers during a Knesset vote on controversial bills. The article also mentions delays in aid for the north and coalition members' aggressive behavior in discussions about settler violence.

Coalition MKs disrupted a Knesset event focused on violence against Palestinians, stealing food and assaulting the daughter-in-law of a slain hostage. The event addressed unchecked settler attacks, with an MK warning colleagues labeled 'terrorist' they would be expelled from the country.

The Knesset revoked an order by Smotrich expanding the personal import tax exemption to $130. The Finance minister criticized the move for 'hurting the pockets of Israeli citizens,' while Likud party members opposed it, arguing it harms local industry.

Michael Melchior, a former Knesset member and government minister who chaired the religious party Meimad, now advocates for peace with Palestinians through faith-based values. The article highlights his continued efforts to shape Israel's future using religious principles.

Legislation to split and weaken the role of the attorney general has passed its first reading in the Knesset. The advancement of the bills allows the coalition to continue the legislative process without restarting if they win the election.