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Ariela Karmel

Ariela Karmel

Haaretz

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Knesset expected to dissolve July 17, paving way for October 27 election

Knesset expected to dissolve July 17, paving way for October 27 election

After shelving plans for early vote, government now appears headed for latest possible date

yesterday 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Hendel said not expected to run with Gantz and Simhi amid Haredi coalition dispute

Hendel said not expected to run with Gantz and Simhi amid Haredi coalition dispute

While Hendel vows to boycott Haredi parties, Gantz and newcomer Simhi haven’t ruled out sitting with them; Reservists spokesperson says meetings...

yesterday 30

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Contentious Basic Law on Torah study aimed at shielding draft evaders passes 1st reading

Contentious Basic Law on Torah study aimed at shielding draft evaders passes 1st reading

Four coalition MKs vote against legislation that has been sharply criticized by legal authorities; opposition politicians vow to cancel law if they...

02.07.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset advances far-right MK’s bill to lower volume of mosque calls to prayer

Knesset advances far-right MK’s bill to lower volume of mosque calls to prayer

Otzma Yehudit’s Zvika Fogel says ‘not a political issue’ but one of equal law enforcement, though Arab lawmakers point to lack of effort to curb...

01.07.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Likud MK Bismuth warns of ‘domestic interference’ in elections, points at High Court

Likud MK Bismuth warns of ‘domestic interference’ in elections, points at High Court

Summoning Shin Bet chief, Knesset defense committee chair says justices’ decision to freeze comptroller appointment due to suspected tainted vote...

01.07.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset advances Basic Law on Torah study, pushes to freeze arrests of draft dodgers

Knesset advances Basic Law on Torah study, pushes to freeze arrests of draft dodgers

Bill heads to first Knesset vote as government pushes parallel measure halting enforcement despite IDF warning that enforcement boosts enlistment

30.06.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Likud said to be courting Ra’am for help on passing media overhaul law

Likud said to be courting Ra’am for help on passing media overhaul law

Netanyahu’s party said offering to halt demolitions in Bedouin Negev communities to secure abstention on controversial legislation; Shas reportedly...

30.06.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Lapid says Netanyahu building ‘satellite parties’ because he expects election defeat

Lapid says Netanyahu building ‘satellite parties’ because he expects election defeat

Blue and White fires back at Yesh Atid chief’s apparent criticism of Gantz’s emerging electoral alliance, as opposition ridicules Netanyahu’s...

29.06.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Likud postpones primaries to August 4 as Netanyahu fights for control of party slate

Likud postpones primaries to August 4 as Netanyahu fights for control of party slate

Party moves internal vote by week but leaves unresolved battle over reserved slots, with PM demanding 11 to consolidate power, broaden Likud’s...

29.06.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset panel to advance measure freezing arrests of Haredi draft evaders for 90 days

Knesset panel to advance measure freezing arrests of Haredi draft evaders for 90 days

Foreign and defense panel chair makes announcement amid bid to end Haredi boycott of coalition; opposition slams bill equating Torah study, IDF...

28.06.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Netanyahu’s vow to build ‘broad national government’ marks familiar attempt at pre-election rebrand

Netanyahu’s vow to build ‘broad national government’ marks familiar attempt at pre-election rebrand

Analyst says PM is courting center-right voters to offset Eisenkot’s rising popularity, but will keep current partners if reelected; critics say his...

28.06.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Golan’s Democrats party unveils 51 primary candidates, touts 85,000 members

Golan’s Democrats party unveils 51 primary candidates, touts 85,000 members

Vying for a spot on the left-wing alliance’s slate are current and former lawmakers, civil society activists, the IDF’s first Christian Arab...

28.06.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Want to predict how an Israeli will vote? Look at their religiosity, survey says

Want to predict how an Israeli will vote? Look at their religiosity, survey says

Study finds that in 2022 election, political divides mapped onto Israel’s religious spectrum, with Haredim likeliest to back coalition and secular...

28.06.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset to hold marathon discussions next week to fast-track Basic Law on Torah study

Knesset to hold marathon discussions next week to fast-track Basic Law on Torah study

Knesset legal adviser warns lawmakers against accelerated process, as MKs seek to push through legislation before Knesset’s expected dissolution...

26.06.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Potential Gantz-Hendel-Simhi alliance faces hurdles despite merger reports

Potential Gantz-Hendel-Simhi alliance faces hurdles despite merger reports

Sources say talks between Blue and White, Reservists, Dedy Simhi ongoing but gaps remain over position on Haredi parties; Reservists exploring other...

25.06.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Election officials push to label AI-generated political campaign materials

Proposal suggests tagging content generated by or manipulated with AI rather than prohibiting its use in political messaging altogether

22.06.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Netanyahu set to gain unprecedented control over Likud slate in battle over primaries

PM seeking 8-10 reserved slots for handpicked candidates amid resistance to plans to replace primaries with a selection committee

22.06.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset grants Likud MK Gotliv immunity for exposing Shin Bet agent’s identity

Vote follows chaotic hearings in which coalition lawmakers rally behind firebrand colleague; opposition lawmakers decry move as ‘disgrace’ and...

17.06.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Standing Together leaders launch new Arab-Jewish party: ‘A Place for Us All’

Party to be ‘truly equal,’ led by Rula Daood, Alon-Lee Green, co-directors of grassroots left-wing shared society, anti-war organization; party...

16.06.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset panel votes to grant Gotliv immunity for exposing Shin Bet officer’s identity

Lawmakers vote 11-3 with unanimous coalition support after chaotic hearings; decision now moves to plenum for final vote

15.06.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

After backlash, Karhi drops bid to grant Netanyahu additional power over media during elections

Opposition MKs decry last-minute amendment to controversial broadcast overhaul bill, which one quips ‘suddenly appeared in the middle of the...

11.06.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset advances Basic Law bill enshrining Torah study, despite coalition revolt

Four coalition MKs opposed measure equating bible study to military service; critics say bill seeks to preserve draft exemptions, ‘spits in the...

10.06.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Arab parties Hadash, Ta’al, Balad announce joint electoral slate — without Ra’am

Factions say they are ‘leaving the door open’ for Mansour Abbas’s party to join them before the election; former MK Michal Rozin to run in The...

10.06.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Coalition turns Gotliv hearing into attack on AG, who opposes immunity for Likud MK

Baharav-Miara says Gotliv broke the law by exposing Shin Bet officer’s identity; coalition lawmakers spend hours ignoring charges, instead airing...

10.06.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset panel revises bill creating political Oct. 7 probe, preserves coalition control

Constitution Committee removes controversial clause added last week allowing comptroller to fill vacant seats on panel; bill allows probe to go ahead...

09.06.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Finance Committee moves to restore daycare subsidies for ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers

New bill would only consider the employment status of a child’s mother, no longer examine the father’s eligibility for conscription; finance,...

09.06.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Firebrand Likud MK accuses security forces of ‘treason’ in Knesset amid Iran attacks

Tally Gotliv, seeking immunity from prosecution after exposing Shin Bet agent, airs conspiracy theories; Haredi MKs demand Basic Law for Torah study...

08.06.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Likud tribunal rejects petitions to expel ex-defense minister Yoav Gallant

Ruling party’s internal court finds no constitutional grounds for expelling veteran member, says judgment on his actions should be left to voters;...

07.06.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset passes law granting tax benefits to dozens of West Bank settlements

Smotrich says law will prevent Palestinian state; opposition accuses finance minister of funneling money to voter base ahead of elections, while...

04.06.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Netanyahu forces through election of his lawyer as state comptroller amid tainted vote

Michael Rabello wins 60-57 after vote rerun triggered by claims Likud MKs were told to film ballots to prove loyalty; opposition vows High Court...

03.06.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Likud to hold primaries for its electoral slate by July 28; Netanyahu guaranteed top spot

Internal polls have reportedly raised concerns that primaries could elevate candidates popular with the base but less appealing to moderate right-wing...

02.06.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Coalition MKs disrupt Knesset event on violence against Palestinians, threaten attendees

Lawmakers steal food, assail slain hostage’s daughter-in-law, amid discussion of unchecked settler attacks; MK tells ‘terrorist’ colleagues...

02.06.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset revokes Smotrich’s order expanding personal import tax exemption to $130

Finance minister rails at MKs for ‘hurting the pockets of Israeli citizens,’ as members of ruling Likud party help defeat measure they say harms...

02.06.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Legislation to split and weaken role of attorney general passes first Knesset reading

Even if not passed into law before Knesset disbands, advancement of bills will allow coalition to resume legislative process without having to start...

02.06.2026 90

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Funds for war-torn north delayed as Smotrich forges ahead with tax breaks for settlements

Local leaders, opposition accuse government of abandoning communities hit by Hezbollah attacks as NIS 5 billion aid stalls even as West Bank...

01.06.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Veteran Likud members Erdan, Edelstein said to make progress toward forming new party

Initial understandings reportedly reached in talks for alternative right-wing party to challenge Netanyahu is upcoming election; decisions said...

27.05.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset panel restores word ‘massacre’ to Oct. 7 memorial bill after backlash

‘No one wants to whitewash or change the narrative,’ says committee chair; bereaved families accused government or ‘erasing’ history after...

27.05.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Yesh Atid co-founder and MK Boaz Toporovsky steps away from Knesset

Toporovsky to remain in party, but not in political role; Lapid thanks ‘friend’ for ‘years of service’ to public; former Zionist Council chief...

27.05.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Coalition races ahead with laws targeting media, in defiance of legal objections

Lawmakers advance bill to take control of Kan’s budget, split broadcasting overhaul to push part of it ahead, and add measure that will help...

26.05.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Zvika Mor, father of former hostage Eitan Mor, to join Smotrich’s Religious Zionism

Former Tikva Forum leader opposed hostage deals with Hamas, backed state comptroller’s October 7 investigation over a state commission of inquiry

26.05.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Likud MK Distel Atbaryan says she won’t seek reelection after Knesset ends its term

Former Netanyahu ally served as public diplomacy minister before resigning days after October 7, has recently headed panel overseeing a controversial...

25.05.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

In Knesset breakup ado, Netanyahu, Haredim seen jostling for leverage, not a ballot date

As Likud takes control of dissolution process triggered by ultra-Orthodox demands for draft exemption, analysts say sides locked in a power struggle...

24.05.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Coalition nominates Netanyahu’s lawyer as next state comptroller

Likud lawmakers said to face pressure from PM to back Michael Rabello in June 3 secret-ballot vote, despite support among some for opposition pick,...

20.05.2026 90

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Smotrich attacks AG, rule of law in dramatic Knesset committee hearing

Opposition accuses coalition of dismantling checks on power in debate about bill to split AG’s role; finance minister blames her, previous...

18.05.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Coalition seeks to fast-track legislation through committee, bypassing legal review

Marathon committee sessions rush bill to split AG’s role and overhaul media before expected Knesset dissolution and early elections, despite legal...

17.05.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Former MK Yousef Jabareen elected leader of Arab-majority party Hadash

Leadership shakeup comes as two MKs step down; Jabareen pushes to revive Joint List; sole woman wins fifth slot

16.05.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Hadash to pick new leadership as Arab party hopes to energize bid for Joint List revival

Former MK Yousef Jabareen expected to win race to replace Ayman Odeh as party head in internal Saturday vote, with faction shifting focus toward...

14.05.2026 90

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Government offers summer extension of school programs following wartime disruptions

Optional camp activities to continue for an extra ten days until the end of July for kindergarten through to grade 6, along with 10-day catch-up...

13.05.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

1st vote on bill to dissolve Knesset likely next week as opposition, coalition jockey ahead of elections

Opposition seeks to trigger early elections following Haredi faction’s call to dissolve Knesset, as coalition reportedly prepares rival bill to...

13.05.2026 90

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset passes law establishing military tribunal to try October 7 perpetrators

MKs vote 93-0 to form special court for captured Hamas-led attackers, proceedings to be filmed and broadcast; bereaved families demand politicians...

12.05.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel