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Sam Sokol

Sam Sokol

The Times of Israel

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Likud touts ‘celebration of democracy’ despite party members’ reduced say on slate

Likud touts ‘celebration of democracy’ despite party members’ reduced say on slate

With voting more than halfway over, 26.44% of Likud members reportedly cast ballots; candidates dismiss concerns over Netanyahu’s increasing control...

latest 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Likud members choose their Knesset candidates in hotly contested primary race

Likud members choose their Knesset candidates in hotly contested primary race

Polling stations open nationwide, with Netanyahu’s efforts to expand control of slate having shrunk number of open spots; candidates take to social...

latest 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Likud politicians ready to battle for shrinking number of spots in Monday primary

Party polling at 22-24 seats in October election, with Netanyahu controlling a third of the top 30 slots, making the hastily convened vote a tighter...

yesterday 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Ra’am’s Abbas, former Yesh Atid MK Segalovitz confirm ongoing talks on Knesset run

Ra’am’s Abbas, former Yesh Atid MK Segalovitz confirm ongoing talks on Knesset run

Negotiations come as Islamist party seeks to shed its religious image; far-right Otzma Yehudit party claims Abbas using the move to turn Negev and...

13.08.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Eisenkot vows ‘no compromise’ on IDF draft law, including for Haredim, if elected PM

Eisenkot vows ‘no compromise’ on IDF draft law, including for Haredim, if elected PM

Yashar leader says a minority government would be ‘bad’ but may be required as ‘last resort,’ as poll shows continued deadlock between the blocs

12.08.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Former Otzma Yehudit MK to run in Likud primary after Netanyahu opens door

Former Otzma Yehudit MK to run in Likud primary after Netanyahu opens door

PM praises far-right Almog Cohen as a ‘warrior,’ confirms waiving tenure requirements to allow newly minted Likud member to run; Olympic medalist...

12.08.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Meet the ‘Third Bloc’ of right-wing parties pushing for a ‘Zionist unity government’

Meet the ‘Third Bloc’ of right-wing parties pushing for a ‘Zionist unity government’

Leaders of new crop of center-right factions believe they can replace the Haredim as kingmakers and broker peace between the competing blocs; the...

11.08.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Likud approves reserved spots for Israel Katz and Sa’ar, freezes vote on Haim Katz

Likud approves reserved spots for Israel Katz and Sa’ar, freezes vote on Haim Katz

Likud MK Tally Gotliv slams ‘disgraceful move that mocks Likud voters,’ says defense minister is ‘deeply afraid of the primary results and rightly so’

11.08.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Negotiations over Arab joint list hit snag as Ahmad Tibi rejects proposed slate

Negotiations over Arab joint list hit snag as Ahmad Tibi rejects proposed slate

Proposed list would give Ta’al smallest Knesset representation of three parties. Hadash chairman Jabareen calls proposal ‘an expression of the...

09.08.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

70% of Israelis fear for integrity of election, minority upbeat on democracy — poll

70% of Israelis fear for integrity of election, minority upbeat on democracy — poll

Israel Democracy Institute finds only 40% of Israelis, and only 24.5% of Arab citizens, are optimistic about the future of democracy in the country

06.08.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Hendel, Tropper launch Zionist Home party, demand national security portfolio

Hendel, Tropper launch Zionist Home party, demand national security portfolio

New center-right party calls for establishment of a ‘Zionist government,’ conditions joining next coalition on passage of ultra-Orthodox...

06.08.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Rebel Likud MK Dan Illouz joins Yisrael Beytenu, touts its ‘national and liberal values’

Liberman welcomes ‘principled’ right-wing ideologue who resigned from ruling party last month over its push to grant draft exemptions to...

05.08.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Ex-Likud ministers Erdan, Edelstein to launch new right-wing party on Thursday

As-yet unnamed party will push for ultra-Orthodox conscription; is the latest to attempt to offer a right-wing alternative to Netanyahu’s ruling Likud

05.08.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Left-wing demonstrators with ‘bloody hands’ protest outside Religious Zionism party HQ

Protesters from Arab-Jewish left-wing movement Standing Together block entrance to party’s Shoham office, accuse Smotrich of funding settler terror

05.08.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Head of party court among Likud figures detained for questioning in tax fraud probe

Michael Kleiner, a former Likud MK, heads the internal tribunal that recently struck down Netanyahu’s bid to cancel the party’s August 17 primary

05.08.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Election committee bans polling station workers from telling parties who has voted

Likud and allies reportedly mulling court challenge against ruling, which says practice of tracking who needs prodding to cast ballot violates privacy...

05.08.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Liberman tells Golan to ‘shut up,’ says rhetoric aiding Netanyahu election campaign

In opposition in-fighting, Golan says Liberman should ‘stop echoing’ right-wing messaging, as Likud continues to weaponize The Democrats...

04.08.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Coalition secures $82.6m for ultra-Orthodox education; opposition alleges ‘theft’

Finance Committee approves funds during Knesset recess after heated debate; package includes millions for yeshivas, Haredi culture and student...

04.08.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

In blow to Likud lawmakers, party court rules current MKs can’t run for district spots

Party judge says serving MKs and ministers competing for regional slots ‘harms value of equality’; move hurts odds of political survival for many...

04.08.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

State reportedly not cutting funds to Haredi schools that fail to teach core subjects

Despite parliamentary recess, Knesset Finance Committee to meet on Tuesday to approve hundreds of millions of additional taxpayer shekels for...

03.08.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Despite Knesset recess, finance panel set to allocate millions to Haredim, settlements

Opposition lawmakers and religious liberty group say infusions to Haredi schools and Settlements Ministry constitutes ‘electoral bribery’

03.08.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Opposition pans Netanyahu ‘spin’ as he distances himself from Haredi draft evasion law

PM reportedly says he will not pursue further legislation seeking to exempt ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers from arrest; Bennett: He ‘thinks the...

02.08.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

As Likud challenges the election watchdog, some fear it may challenge the election outcome, too

Netanyahu’s party has been slamming appointments of Central Elections Committee officials, a campaign some experts see as laying the groundwork to...

17.07.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Survivors rail at government on 1,000th day since Oct. 7: ‘They’ve never taken responsibility’

Families and former hostages accuse government for not taking responsibility for massacre, demand state commission of inquiry, pan Netanyahu,...

02.07.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Far-right minister says IDF hostage point man ‘to blame’ for Oct. 7 abductions, killings

Amichay Eliyahu leads coalition backlash against Nitzan Alon for pushing back after Smotrich claimed credit for captives’ return, says top general...

02.07.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Haredi convoys spark clashes, traffic chaos; most protesters fail to reach IDF prison

Police assess 1,000 cars joined anti-draft demonstration; video shows some members of public reacting violently to protesters; pregnant woman...

25.06.2026 90

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Haredi parties deny report about deal with Netanyahu to pass array of pre-election bills

Report also said sides agreed on Oct. 20 election date, Shas and Degel HaTorah have given up on law restoring daycare subsidies in order to pass other...

23.06.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Almost all bills removed from Knesset agenda as Haredi boycott enters second week

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri warns that unless legislation benefiting yeshiva students and draft evaders is passed, ‘we will not support any coalition...

22.06.2026 90

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Thwarted by Haredi intransigence, Netanyahu may push to dissolve Knesset within days

The utra-Orthodox push to pass bills benefiting draft evaders, and their ongoing boycott of coalition legislation, could lead PM to call for slightly...

21.06.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Knesset speaker rejects High Court call to redo tainted state comptroller vote

Amir Ohana says parliament ‘has already spoken’ in favor of Michael Rabello, who won in 2nd round after suspected turncoats were allegedly told to...

21.06.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Top Shas rabbi: US-Iran deal is divine punishment for arrests of Haredi draft dodgers

Ex-Sephardic chief rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, known for controversial remarks on matters of religion and state, says ‘garbage’ attorney general to blame...

21.06.2026 90

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Enraged by arrests of draft evaders, Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community is in revolt

Yeshiva students are blocking roads and breaking into police stations as Haredi parties hold coalition’s legislative agenda hostage. PM said to be...

18.06.2026 90

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

UTJ lawmaker Porush warns Haredim may go after AG ‘with sticks and stones’

Ultra-Orthodox MK warns his faction could soon ‘completely disassociate ourselves from cooperation with other government authorities that are taking...

17.06.2026 90

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Haredi Knesset boycott continues, putting coalition’s legislative blitz at risk

Legislation pulled from plenum agenda for second day in a row as Haredim demand return of daycare subsidies for draft evaders; we ‘will not accept...

16.06.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

MKs advance bill to dissolve Knesset and potentially move up elections to September

Over 105 MKs vote to disband parliament amid Haredi revolt over military service exemptions; coalition whip says election will be held sometime...

02.06.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Mass ultra-Orthodox protests block roads, halt traffic over arrest of draft dodgers

Public transport heavily impacted as protesters climb onto railway tracks in central Israel, block Jerusalem light rail; protester hit by...

01.06.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Dozens break into Beit Shemesh police station after arrest of Haredi draft dodger

Eight people arrested after rioters forced open the gate to the compound and set fire to nearby brush

01.06.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Police rabbi says Haredi draft evaders filing complaints at stations won’t be detained

Hardline Jerusalem Faction announces postponement of ‘stormy’ demonstrations, claiming IDF intends to free ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers from...

31.05.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Following draft evader arrests, Gafni calls on Haredim to halt cooperation with police

Degel HaTorah chair urges local representatives not to ‘become complicit in harming the holy Torah.’ MKs advance bill restoring daycare subsidies...

27.05.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Lawmakers to vote on first reading of Knesset dissolution bill on Monday

Timeline for passage of legislation and date for early Knesset vote remain unclear; Elections must be held by October 27, at the latest

27.05.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Opposition party leaders spar over potential inclusion of Haredim in future coalition

Democrats’ Golan slammed for saying he would include ultra-Orthodox in government; Lapid and Bennett vow no compromise on draft exemptions

27.05.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Ex-Likud minister Gilad Erdan says he is considering establishing right-wing party

Lifelong Likud member tells Radio 103FM he is examining ‘feasibility’ of run, sees himself as a potential premier once Prime Minister Benjamin...

26.05.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Lapid takes aim at ‘disaster’ US-Iran deal, says Netanyahu failed to achieve victory

Opposition leader says it’s ‘absurd’ negotiations to end conflict did not include Israel, which must ‘maintain freedom of action’ regardless...

25.05.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Haredi parties reject latest draft exemption bill, setting stage for Sept. elections

Spiritual leader of ultra-Orthodox faction believes Netanyahu has no intention of letting the bill pass into law, is instead trying to use it for a...

24.05.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Haredi bill aims to reduce draft dodgers’ sentences if religious needs ‘violated’

UTJ’s Porush claims ongoing ‘violation of basic religious rights’ of Haredi evaders in military prison, even though IDF already provides for the...

24.05.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Army complains of manpower shortage as Knesset restarts work on draft exemption bill

‘We will very soon reach the region of ​​80,000-90,000 draft dodgers,’ IDF official tells MKs, as PM launches last-ditch campaign to pass law...

20.05.2026 90

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

MKs advance bill to dissolve Knesset, potentially trigger slightly earlier elections

Netanyahu absent from preliminary vote, which left-wing leader calls ‘beginning of end of worst government in Israel’s history’; bill does not...

20.05.2026 150

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Preliminary vote to dissolve Knesset set for Wednesday as legislative agenda cleared

Democrats’ Yair Golan reportedly urges opposition leaders to hold joint press conference ahead of vote to show unity, as country likely to hold...

20.05.2026 150

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Liberman says his goal for the upcoming election is to become prime minister

Hawkish MK’s Yisrael Beytenu party polls at only around 9 seats; however, he rules out threatening to join Netanyahu for leverage

19.05.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Firebrand Likud MK indicted for disclosing Shin Bet agent’s identity

Tally Gotliv, who revealed details on partner of opposition activist while spreading conspiracy theory about him, submits immunity request to Knesset...

19.05.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol