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Sam Sokol

Sam Sokol

The Times of Israel

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Haredi spiritual leaders: Those who arrest draft dodgers could face divine retribution

Haredi spiritual leaders: Those who arrest draft dodgers could face divine retribution

Rabbis of Shas, UTJ’s Degel HaTorah call on Military Police to refuse orders rather than commit the ‘terrible crime’ of arresting...

yesterday 0

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Coalition advances key budget bill after enough Haredi MKs walk back revolt plans

Coalition advances key budget bill after enough Haredi MKs walk back revolt plans

Knesset approves split of Arrangements Bill, helping ensure budget passes before deadline; talks on Haredi draft bill still stuck, in what ups chances...

yesterday 1

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Defense Ministry facing severe shortage of therapists to treat soldiers with PTSD

Ministry’s Social Services Responses Division tells Knesset there is only one caseworker available per 850 post-traumatic veterans

yesterday 9

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Lapid: Police may need to probe Netanyahu’s ‘intentional forgery’ of October 7 protocols

Lapid: Police may need to probe Netanyahu’s ‘intentional forgery’ of October 7 protocols

Opposition leader says ‘biased editing of protocols of security discussions’ goes beyond PM’s usual ‘lying’; Gantz calls...

previous day 3

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Visiting Israeli border, Lebanese PM vows to expand state authority against Hezbollah

Visiting Israeli border, Lebanese PM vows to expand state authority against Hezbollah

While lamenting near-daily IDF strikes as a ‘blow to our dignity,’ Nawaf Salam pledges reconstruction, restoration of public services...

sunday 4

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Gallant: PM a ‘liar’ who undermined security chiefs, built false narrative of Oct. 7

Gallant: PM a ‘liar’ who undermined security chiefs, built false narrative of Oct. 7

Ex-defense minister joined by Lapid in upbraiding Netanyahu for cherrypicked quotes, shirking accountability in his response to state...

sunday 5

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Netanyahu said to tell MKs there was ‘no treason’ on Oct. 7, countering his son’s conspiracy theory

Netanyahu said to tell MKs there was ‘no treason’ on Oct. 7, countering his son’s conspiracy theory

Premier reportedly tells closed-door meeting there were ‘intelligence failures,’ but he didn’t ignore pre-onslaught warnings;...

06.02.2026 2

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Religious Zionism MK says Haredi draft bill needs changes before party can back it

Religious Zionism MK says Haredi draft bill needs changes before party can back it

Moshe Solomon calls for fixes to close loopholes such as clause allowing recruitment targets to be lowered, says party united in demands, but source...

06.02.2026 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Likud casts religious Zionist critics of Haredi draft bill as left-wing agitators

Likud casts religious Zionist critics of Haredi draft bill as left-wing agitators

In attempt to counter considerable national religious opposition to bill exempting yeshiva students from IDF, ruling party claims activists are trying...

05.02.2026 2

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Haredi extremists pay grants to draft evaders after their release from military prison

Haredi extremists pay grants to draft evaders after their release from military prison

Group linked to Jerusalem Faction hands one dodger NIS 60,000, says ‘the goal is to strengthen all yeshiva students so they won’t be...

04.02.2026 1

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

As Haredi protests spiral into perilous chaos, police are often nowhere to be found

As Haredi protests spiral into perilous chaos, police are often nowhere to be found

Cops appear to be taking hands-off approach to unrest, allowing demonstrations to turn violent while employing excessive force once they do respond,...

29.01.2026 7

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

2026 state budget passes first reading in Knesset with partial Haredi support

2026 state budget passes first reading in Knesset with partial Haredi support

MKs vote 62-55 in favor of budget with some $262 billion in total expenditures; Shas and Degel HaTorah come out in favor after last-minute...

29.01.2026 2

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Budget likely to advance after crisis over conscription, as Haredi factions signal support

Budget likely to advance after crisis over conscription, as Haredi factions signal support

Lawmakers set to hold initial vote Wednesday night, after standoff over ongoing disagreements on ultra-Orthodox draft led to threats of early...

28.01.2026 2

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Likud MK says legislation regulating Haredi enlistment is ready for committee vote

Likud MK says legislation regulating Haredi enlistment is ready for committee vote

‘We are reaching the finish line,’ boasts Boaz Bismuth, urging fellow lawmakers to pass controversial bill in its final two readings...

28.01.2026 1

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Up to 80% of all draft evaders are ultra-Orthodox, IDF general tells Knesset

Up to 80% of all draft evaders are ultra-Orthodox, IDF general tells Knesset

Total number of those classified as draft evaders or as having not shown up when ordered jumps from 13,000 to 68,000 over just two years, after broad...

28.01.2026 3

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Netanyahu holds urgent talks as Smotrich calls for elections over budget vote delay

Netanyahu holds urgent talks as Smotrich calls for elections over budget vote delay

Holdup caused by ultra-Orthodox objections to proposed amendments to controversial draft bill; Haredi politicians, finance minister meet with...

26.01.2026 20

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Bennett files complaint against Likud over fake image of him with Arab party leaders

Bennett files complaint against Likud over fake image of him with Arab party leaders

Ex-PM accuses Netanyahu’s party of ‘malicious forgery’ for inserting his image into photo of Arab politicians celebrating an...

26.01.2026 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

79% of kids under 3 in Jerusalem are in unsupervised daycares, Knesset panel hears

79% of kids under 3 in Jerusalem are in unsupervised daycares, Knesset panel hears

Grim figures shown to joint meeting of several committees, after 2 babies died and dozens were hurt in unlicensed center in the capital; MK:...

26.01.2026 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Knesset approves first reading of bill banning use of ‘Skunk’ spray on protesters

Rights groups, medical experts and lawmakers pan firing of putrid liquid from water cannons on demonstrators; ex-police superintendent calls for...

22.01.2026 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Haredi draft exemption marching ahead, but contentious bill still faces uphill battle

With rebel MKs possibly withholding support, legislation is set to advance out of committee but may be slow to face Knesset vote, putting...

21.01.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

30,000 Israelis designated as draft evaders, but true figure is higher, IDF says

Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee told the figure is likely to rise by many thousands in coming month, as coalition rushes to pass law exempting...

21.01.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

2 minors nabbed for alleged attack on Shas MK’s son over Haredi draft exemption bill

Assailants reportedly curse victim over IDF draft issue in latest attack on ultra-Orthodox lawmakers by hardline elements; Shas casts incident as...

20.01.2026 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Smotrich calls to shutter US-led Gaza coordination center, resettle Strip

Far-right finance minister declares it’s ‘either us or them’ as he makes the case to reverse the 2005 disengagement, impose military...

19.01.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Ministerial committee advances bill to make AG take lie detector test every 2 years

Bill says ‘trust in law enforcement is very low’ due to leaks, selective enforcement, personal interests, as Otzma Yehudit MK continues...

19.01.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Police set to charge bus driver who ran over Haredi protester with aggravated murder

Driver’s attorney says suspect felt his life was in danger as demonstrators gathered around bus; 14-year-old killed and three injured in...

07.01.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Teenager killed, others injured after bus runs over Haredi protesters in Jerusalem

Victim named as Yosef Eisenthal, 14; Ben Gvir says police probing ‘all investigatory angles’ of incident, which occurred as tens of...

07.01.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Poll: Likud members would put firebrand Gotliv in top primary spot, second only to PM

Populist MK ‘grateful for the great trust’; however, Netanyahu reportedly sees her as an electoral liability, and experts expect...

06.01.2026 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Poll: Support for state commission into Oct. 7 recedes as PM pushes alternative

Majority of 55% of Israelis still support the formation of a state inquiry, down from 67% in July 2024; 22% now favor politically appointed probe,...

06.01.2026 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Senior ultra-Orthodox rabbi: Those enforcing Haredi draft are fighting against God

Degel HaTorah spiritual leader Rabbi Dov Lando celebrates release of draft dodgers from military prison, claims Haredim ‘find ourselves in exile...

05.01.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Shas vows to oppose 2026 budget unless coalition passes Haredi draft exemption bill

Deputy AG assails government for ignoring High Court order on sanctions for draft dodgers; Goldknopf compares penalties for yeshiva students to...

04.01.2026 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Ben Gvir’s dismissal ‘will not happen,’ vows Netanyahu, bucking AG’s pressure

In tense cabinet meeting, deputy AG trades barbs with far-right minister, warns he is eroding police independence by interfering in investigations

04.01.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Court orders state to justify law that allows firing teachers who support terror

Critics charge law empowers ‘political entities’ and deprives teachers of due process; Smotrich says judges ‘trampling...

01.01.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Lapid petitions High Court to halt billion-shekel transfer to ultra-Orthodox schools

Court gives government until Wednesday morning to respond; ‘We will not allow Israel’s ultra-Orthodox children to be turned into second-class...

31.12.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Shas, Degel HaTorah trade barbs in fight for control of Jerusalem religious council

Haredi parties battle for control of capital’s religious bureaucracy, leading to boycotts of coalition legislation as form of leverage

30.12.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Knesset passes bill blocking provision of electricity and water to UNRWA facilities

Israel has alleged that more than 10 percent of the UN Palestinian refugee agency’s staff in Gaza have ties to terror groups

29.12.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

IDF tells lawmakers Haredi draft exemption bill ‘far from’ solving troop shortage

Brig. Gen. Shay Tayeb warns Knesset defense panel that cuts to the length of mandatory military service mean the current troop shortage is only...

29.12.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

AG’s office, Knesset legal advisory pan Haredi draft exemption bill

Deputy Attorney General Gil Limon tells MKs the controversial legislation will not ease the burden on reservists and ‘severely harms...

29.12.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Most Israelis feel there is no political party that represents their views – poll

Israel Democracy Institute study finds only 26% ‘feel that there is a party that properly represents them’ as country gears up for 2026...

29.12.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Culture minister says October 7 probe wouldn’t point to Netanyahu as ‘main culprit’

Miki Zohar claims ‘all Israeli citizens were complacent’ ahead of Hamas-led massacre; calls actions of Qatargate suspects...

26.12.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Knesset passes law allowing IDF, Shin Bet to hack into civilian security cameras

Security agencies allowed to access civilian systems without a judicial warrant. Bill ‘disproportionately violates human rights, first and...

25.12.2025 80

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Haredi rabbis push English-speakers to dodge IDF draft, worried they might join up

Ultra-Orthodox leaders hold event in Ramat Beit Shemesh taking aim at a community of immigrants thought more likely to enlist than other Haredim,...

25.12.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Contentious law for politically appointed Oct. 7 probe passes preliminary Knesset reading

Opposition MKs removed from plenum during heated session; Lapid pledges to ‘not cooperate with this shameful farce’ as coalition calls to...

24.12.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Latest batch of Epstein files contain multiple references to Trump

Justice Department says ‘sensationalist claims’ against Trump filed just before the 2020 elections; letter written by Epstein from prison...

23.12.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

‘It can be cheap here’: Smotrich raises VAT exemption on overseas orders to $150

Finance minister says move will lower cost of living, free Israelis from exploitation by monopolies; businesspeople protest, saying it’s a...

23.12.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Knesset extends authorities’ power to ban broadcasts deemed harmful to security

Law, now in effect until 2027, enables shuttering of outlets, seizure of equipment, and blocking of satellite transmissions in Israel and the West...

23.12.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Greta Thunberg arrested at pro-Palestinian protest in London

Police say the 22-year-old activist was detained for holding a placard showing support for the proscribed group Palestine Action at a demonstration...

23.12.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Katz vows Israel will build settlements in northern Gaza, later walks back comments

Defense minister’s original remarks came in defiance of positions taken by Netanyahu and Trump; Smotrich calls on PM to push West Bank...

23.12.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Bennett: Qatargate is ‘most serious act of treason’ in Israeli history, PM must resign

Opposition leaders echo former premier’s words, after news report sheds light on Netanyahu aides’ alleged work for Qatar while in Israeli...

22.12.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

State Attorney’s Office probing video of riot officer beating ultra-Orthodox men

Department for Internal Police Investigations says it has received a number of clips for review from clashes last week in Jerusalem during which 13...

21.12.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Far-right MKs Har-Melech, Sukkot set to take over Knesset panels vacated by Shas

Health and education committees were left inactive since Shas quit its coalition posts in October, in protest of failure to pass Haredi draft...

19.12.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol