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Ariela Karmel

Ariela Karmel

Haaretz

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Opposition blocks transfer of NIS 392 million in coalition funds for Haredi schools, settlements

Opposition blocks transfer of NIS 392 million in coalition funds for Haredi schools, settlements

Funding now highly unlikely to be approved before the Oct. 27 elections, as the opposition must consent to any further consideration of the matter...

30.07.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Likud approves Netanyahu’s plan to expand his control over party slate

Likud approves Netanyahu’s plan to expand his control over party slate

Measure gives Netanyahu unprecedented influence over more than 1/3 of party’s realistic slate; lawmakers believe PM may give reserved slots to...

27.07.2026 30

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Settlements Minister Strock wins 2nd spot after Smotrich in Religious Zionism primary

Settlements Minister Strock wins 2nd spot after Smotrich in Religious Zionism primary

Voting limited to far-right party’s central committee rather than full membership; hostage father Tzvika Mor given 3rd spot, one of two reserved for...

26.07.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Likud court overturns Netanyahu bid to cancel party primary in case of war

Likud court overturns Netanyahu bid to cancel party primary in case of war

Tribunal stresses importance of maintaining vote for election slate, says nixing it would be ‘wholesale violation of party constitution,’ will...

26.07.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Karhi’s media overhaul has democracy in crosshairs, not just broadcasting, expert says

Media scholar says government knew law could not survive judicial review, but advanced it anyway in order to shatter legislative norms and provoke...

22.07.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Critics accuse Netanyahu of mocking Eisenkot’s slain son in AI-generated ad

Video shows Yashar chief running past young man wearing ‘Israeli unity’ shirt, to instead hug Ra’am chairman Mansour Abbas; Likud denies figure...

21.07.2026 90

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Naama Lazimi wins No. 2 spot after Yair Golan in left-wing Democrats’ primary

Party says 97,000 of 112,376 registered members cast ballots in digital vote; party leader predicts list will draw ‘more than a million voters’;...

20.07.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Likud grants Netanyahu 8 slots on Knesset list, option to nix primaries in wartime

Key panel authorizes PM to convene committee of Likud mayors to choose list if security conditions prevent primary vote; MK Bitan accuses panel chair...

19.07.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Coalition passes media overhaul law, giving government greater regulatory control

In apparent violation of PM’s conflict of interest deal, communications minister thanks Netanyahu for tasking him with passing reform, which...

16.07.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Court orders Likud to postpone vote on expanding Netanyahu’s control over party slate

Injunction granted after petitions argue that all party members must be given chance to vote, not just the 4,500 members of the Likud Central...

16.07.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Deri accuses IDF chief of election interference for opposing ban on arresting draft dodgers

Shas chair, a member of key security cabinet, claims Zamir harmed the army by speaking out against law benefiting Haredi evaders, says he no longer...

16.07.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset approves law expanding gender segregation in academia

Legislation to allow universities and schools to offer segregated master’s and doctoral degree programs passes 52-43 over objections of academic...

16.07.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Coalition passes law gutting attorney general’s powers, removing key check on government

Law allows ministers to reject AG’s positions, which are currently binding, grants coalition effective control over appointment; MK Kariv,...

15.07.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset passes law banning arrests of Haredi draft dodgers, legitimizing ongoing non-enlistment

Petitions against law filed to High Court; deputy minister quits in protest, Netanyahu skips vote, is denounced as ‘traitor’ by opposition MK;...

14.07.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset passes contentious Basic Law declaring Torah study a constitutional value

Coalition advances flagship Haredi-backed measure as part of a broader end-of-term deal trading ultra-Orthodox priorities in exchange for support for...

13.07.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

With bill hobbling AG, overhaul architect Rothman moves to take coalition off judicial leash

In a wide-ranging interview, MK Simcha Rothman defends coalition’s campaign against judiciary, arguing it restores authority to elected officials,...

13.07.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Haredi parties back down: Basic Law won’t put Torah study on par with IDF service

Bill advances in 6-4 committee vote, with final Knesset readings slated for next week; combat veterans with PTSD interrupt hearing: ‘You’ve...

09.07.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Yoaz Hendel’s Reservists teams up with ex-minister Chili Tropper ahead of election

Bereaved family members Shira Shapiro and Elyasaf Peretz also joining new alliance, says Hendel; Smotrich’s Religious Zionism to hold primary on...

08.07.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset votes to split controversial bill to erode power of attorney general

Legislation would still allow government to ignore AG’s rulings, but won’t divide role; media overhaul bill and bill to expand gender segregation...

07.07.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset passes controversial politically appointed Oct. 7 probe in 1st reading

Opposition boycotts 59-0 vote, accuses coalition of whitewashing its role in the disaster; bill likely to allow the government to appoint the panel...

06.07.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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

05.07.2026 150

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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...

05.07.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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 80

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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 70

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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 70

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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 80

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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 100

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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 90

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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 80

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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 100

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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 80

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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 80

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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 100

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 80

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 80

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 80

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 100

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 70

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 90

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 100

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 100

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 80

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 70

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 80

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 80

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 80

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 80

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 80

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel