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Ariela Karmel

Ariela Karmel

Haaretz

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

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...

yesterday 30

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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

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...

previous day 40

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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

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...

previous day 40

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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

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...

previous day 40

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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

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...

tuesday 30

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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

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,...

tuesday 40

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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

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 40

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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

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 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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

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 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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

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 40

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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

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 50

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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

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 60

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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

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 80

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

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

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 70

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 60

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 50

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 40

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 50

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 60

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 60

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 60

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 90

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 70

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 50

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 70

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 80

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 70

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 80

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

Likud minister claims Hamas ‘hatched’ Oct. 7 attack during Bennett-Lapid government

Zohar says Sinwar planned onslaught when he saw ‘weakness’; Bennett accuses government of campaign to ‘evade responsibility,’ promises state...

10.05.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Contentious proposals punctuate planned legislative blitz as Knesset gets back to work

With elections looming, coalition prepares to push stalled legislation on Haredi draft exemption, Oct. 7 probe, media overhaul and attorney...

07.05.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

State comptroller says government bloated, inefficient, with widespread dysfunction

Audit finds too many ministries, constant reshuffles have disrupted governance, weakened services, contributed to failure to rehabilitate northern...

05.05.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Former IDF commander Wajdi Sarhan launches first Druze political party in decades

‘Brotherhood Alliance’ aims for Knesset seats and kingmaker role as Druze frustration with major parties grows; no clarity yet on alignment with...

05.05.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Sharon Sharabi, brother of former hostages Eli and Yossi, joins Yisrael Beytenu

Sharabi, who entered public life as a hostage deal advocate, praises ‘true right-wing leader’ Liberman, says his party represents the values Likud...

04.05.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Blue and White MK Chili Tropper quits party, raising speculation about his future

Former minister becomes latest to leave Gantz’s floundering faction, says he’ll meet anyone who will ‘rebuild’ country’s leadership; reports...

03.05.2026 90

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Eisenkot invites most opposition chiefs to meet, coordinate path to ‘Zionist majority’ victory

Strategizing on how to oust Netanyahu, Yashar leader reaches out to Bennett and Lapid, whose merged Together party he does not intend to join; does...

27.04.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Bennett-Lapid reunion jolts electoral race, but path to unseating Netanyahu elusive as ever

Alliance revives 2021 playbook, but returning to power may hinge on whether Gadi Eisenkot joins or runs solo and whether a breakaway ‘Likud B’...

26.04.2026 90

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Memorial Day exposes widening rift between public and political leadership

2.5 years of war, a lack of Oct. 7 accountability, and Haredi draft exemptions have turned a day of unity into one of dissent as leaders ask citizens...

21.04.2026 90

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Joint Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day event held in secret amid far-right threats

Jaffa location kept quiet over security fears, with parallel ceremony in Jericho; bereaved Israelis and Palestinians share stories of loss from Oct 7,...

20.04.2026 90

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Bennett, Eisenkot and Lapid said holding contacts on forming joint ‘New Israel’ party

Proposed movement would reportedly hold primaries in 15 regions to determine who would lead combined slate in upcoming elections

19.04.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Experts say death penalty law discriminatory and drastic, but not necessarily doomed

Despite constitutional flaws, judges may opt not to strike down entire measure, especially as some surmise its extreme language aims to provoke a...

16.04.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset legal adviser blasts media bill’s legislative process, urges committee change

Sagit Afik says proceedings at special panel don’t meet basic requirements, demands return to economics committee, after clash in which legal...

15.04.2026 90

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

IDF tells Knesset panel new Iranian regime even more extreme

MKs told new leadership dominated by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards; Bismuth says fighting may soon restart, as panel extends reservist call-up through...

09.04.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Summer school programs to be extended after weeks of wartime closures

Activities for elementary students to run 3 extra weeks, expand till 6th grade, says Education Ministry; middle school catch-up plan seeks to address...

09.04.2026 90

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Arab parties clash over delayed Joint List agreement, but deny breakdown in talks

Hadash officials say Ra’am dragging its feet, but both parties insist talks continue on joint run — despite little signs of progress in two months...

05.04.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset passes death penalty law for Palestinians convicted of deadly acts of terror

Backed by Netanyahu, measure mandates hanging and bars right to appeal, despite opposition from security, legal officials; rights groups, opposition...

31.03.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset approves 2026 budget, Israel’s largest ever, sending billions to Haredi institutions

Coalition averts early elections under the wire as $271 billion wartime budget passes amid missile sirens, with opposition lawmakers mistakenly...

30.03.2026 150

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Knesset set to hold final 2 votes on passing 2026 state budget

Budget must pass ahead of March 31 deadline to avoid early elections; spending plan boosts defense funding amid war with Iran and allocates funds to...

29.03.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel

Bennett says Netanyahu ‘tearing the State of Israel apart,’ vows to replace him

In first Hebrew interviews in months, ex-PM says he made Eisenkot a ‘generous offer’ to join forces, accuses government of prioritizing politics...

27.03.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Ariela Karmel