All articles tagged with #knesset
The governing coalition filed a bill to dissolve the Knesset with broad backing, aiming to move up Israel’s election date (no earlier than 3 months, no later than 5 months after passage) with a preliminary reading set for next week, amid a dispute over the ultra-Orthodox draft bill; the opposition has its own dissolution bill awaiting a vote, signaling a broader push toward early elections.
Israel’s ruling coalition introduced a bill to dissolve the Knesset and trigger early elections about 90 days after passage—likely in August—due to coalition strain and ultra-Orthodox pressure. Likud pre-empted rivals by moving the bill; opposition Beyahad (Lapid–Bennett) plans its own bid, and polls show Likud and Beyahad leading without a clear majority. Campaigns are expected to focus on accountability for the 7 October Hamas attacks and extending military service to ultra-Orthodox Jews.
Rabbi Dov Lando, head of Degel Hatorah, authorized steps to dissolve the Knesset as soon as possible over the controversial haredi draft bill, signaling possible early elections ahead of October; opposition figures like Yair Lapid are pushing to move the dissolution bill to a vote next week, while coalition tensions and the draft controversy continue to unfold, potentially reshaping the government and the election timeline.
Jonathan Pollard, the former US Navy analyst who spied for Israel, announced a bid for the Knesset with a new party, advocating the forcible removal of Gaza’s current residents and its annexation. He criticized Netanyahu over security failures but said he could back him if he remains prime minister, framing his entry into politics as a response to the October 7 Hamas attack and the Gaza war.
A Maariv poll of 500 Israelis shows the opposition holding a 61-seat majority against Netanyahu’s 49-seat coalition for a third straight week, with Likud at 25 and Bennett’s bloc at 24; Netanyahu leads Bennett 43–41 and Eisenkot 45–38 in head-to-head PM matchups, and 46% oppose Supreme Court intervention in minister appointments, while most respondents expect Iran and Lebanon tensions to continue; margin of error 4.4%.
The Israeli Parliament (Knesset) is voting on a bill to impose the death penalty on Palestinians accused of deadly attacks, a move sparking debate over legality and ethics amid ongoing security concerns and a broader context including a ceasefire with Hamas and prisoner releases.
Israel's Knesset moved a controversial bill to a final vote that would allow death sentences for Palestinians convicted of terrorism, with executions within 90 days, a simple majority in courts, and reduced avenues for appeals or clemency for those under occupation; the measure would also empower West Bank military courts and has drawn international criticism and warnings of potential legal jeopardy for Israeli officials.
During a two-day Israel visit, Indian PM Narendra Modi met The Jerusalem Post at the King David Hotel and wrote a handwritten Hindi message on the paper’s front page—'Humanity will remain supreme' and 'Democracy will remain eternal'—as talks focused on defense, trade, and technology. After addressing the Knesset, Modi highlighted shared values and the visit yielded expanded defense cooperation, steps toward a free-trade agreement, and 50,000 additional Indian work visas for Israelis.
A Maariv poll shows no bloc can form a majority: Likud 26, Bennett’s party 24, the Democrats 10, and three parties at 9 seats each; Shas 8, Yesh Atid 7, UTJ 7, Hadash-Ta'al 6, Ra’am 5. Divided into blocs, the current coalition would have 50 seats and the opposition 59, with Arab parties holding 11 seats, meaning any coalition would require defectors or Arab-party involvement.
The Knesset advanced the 2026 state budget in its first reading after days of coalition wrangling with ultra-Orthodox parties over the haredi draft law, with a 62-55 vote. Degel Hatorah backed the budget on condition the draft bill passes before the next readings, while Agudat Yisrael opposed. The package includes a large expenditure framework and a raised deficit ceiling, and if all three readings aren’t completed by end-March, the Knesset would dissolve and elections would be called. Prime Minister Netanyahu framed the budget as strengthening security and the economy, while the opposition criticized the concessions to the haredi parties.
The Knesset approved a preliminary bill to establish a politically appointed commission of inquiry into the October 7 attacks, sparking protests from victims' families who fear it undermines accountability and transparency. The proposed commission would be outside the traditional legal framework, with members appointed through a Knesset-led process, raising concerns about political influence. The bill still needs further legislative steps before becoming law, amid ongoing controversy and opposition from affected families.
The Knesset approved US President Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan through a vote initiated by opposition leader Yair Lapid, despite the absence of coalition members who boycotted the session, highlighting political divisions over the plan's section on Palestinian statehood.
The Israeli Knesset approved bills to apply sovereignty over the West Bank and Ma’ale Adumim, defying Prime Minister Netanyahu's request to delay amid US Vice President's visit, with the votes highlighting internal political divisions and the ongoing debate over Israeli territorial claims.
U.S. President Donald Trump praised the recent hostage releases and the ceasefire in Gaza, calling it a 'historic dawn' for the Middle East, while Israeli and Palestinian leaders engage in diplomatic efforts, including a Gaza peace summit in Egypt attended by over 20 world leaders, to promote regional stability and peace.
During President Trump's speech at Israel's Knesset, two lawmakers, Ayman Odeh and Ofer Cassif, were ejected after protesting for Palestinian recognition and justice, highlighting ongoing tensions over Palestinian statehood amid recent Gaza conflict developments.