Unity cabinet unravels as Gantz exits, calls for election
Former defense minister cites political considerations hindering strategic decisions on Gaza as reason for departure. He calls for early elections.
Politics
Gantz poised to end unity pact in dramatic presser
The former defense minister and current participant in the War Cabinet, had given a June 8 deadline, warning, "If you choose the path of fanatics and lead the entire nation to the abyss – we will be forced to quit the government."
Netanyahu files defamation suit, denies cancer rumors
The prime minister's lawsuit demands half a million shekels ($135 USD) in damages from the activists and journalists.
New Labor leader facing police inquiry after 'civil disobedience' comments
Yair Golan faces backlash after recording surfaces in which he speaks about the various means for the public to exert pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, including through "widespread civil disobedience."
Gov't poised to drop measure to double Haredi exemption age
The maximum exemption age is currently set at 26, meaning that after that Haredi men can no longer get their exemption extended based on their declaration that "Torah study is my profession" under the controversial law that the High Court of Justice has asked the government to revise.
Haredim welcome financial penalties on draft dodgers in future conscription bill
The new measures, if enacted, would mean that Haredim who enlist would get benefits while those who do not would be financially hurt through what is called “negative incentives.” However, the details could be crucial. If the sanctions are merely in the form of smaller budgets for yeshivot, it will be very easy for ultra-Orthodox representatives to circumvent them by increasing the yeshiva funding by other means.
Netanyahu tells Republicans Gaza war will continue, days after Schumer speech
The prime minister spoke to Republicans via video link nearly a week after the Senate's Democratic majority leader, Chuck Schumer, gave a Senate speech branding Netanyahu an obstacle to peace and urging new elections in Israel.
PM poised to welcome former rival into war cabinet as State Party splits
After Gideon Sa'ar announces end of New Hope's alliance with Benny Gantz, sources assess that Netanyahu likely to give him prominent position, viewing him as "right-wing insurance" for shaky government.
PM tells Israeli embassy to shun Gantz in US visit; source of funding unclear
Gantz's people are handling the visit independently vis-à-vis the Biden administration, his office said. The minister is expected to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
Former general enters Labor primary race in bid to unite Left
"We have two missions: to dismantle the government as soon as possible and to unite the Left," Yair Golan's office said. "Unfortunately, Merav Michaeli is forcing internal primaries in Labor and opposes uniting our camp. We will be elected, unite along the way and establish a new political framework that will unite the entire liberal-democratic camp under a new brand."