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Sam Sokol

Sam Sokol

The Times of Israel

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Knesset panel vote to choose candidate for AG oversight group canceled after deadlock

Knesset panel vote to choose candidate for AG oversight group canceled after deadlock

As it moves to oust Baharav-Miara, coalition fails to agree on compromise candidate for committee that plays key role in dismissal, with deliberation...

09.04.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Likud MK Ofir Katz appointed to panel that selects judicial ombudsman

Likud MK Ofir Katz appointed to panel that selects judicial ombudsman

At the same time, Constitution, Law and Justice Committee cancels vote to appoint Knesset representative to committee responsible for selecting and...

08.04.2025 9

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Poll: 31% of public says government should ignore court on Shin Bet head’s ouster

Poll: 31% of public says government should ignore court on Shin Bet head’s ouster

Small minority of voters for pro-Netanyahu parties find it necessary to obey potential High Court order against dismissal of Ronen Bar, survey finds

08.04.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Macron to urge Israeli resumption of Gaza aid while visiting key Egypt port

Macron to urge Israeli resumption of Gaza aid while visiting key Egypt port

French president will meet with sick Palestinians receiving treatment and medics at key aid transit point in El-Arish

08.04.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Does the 2025 state budget encourage Haredim to evade IDF service?

Does the 2025 state budget encourage Haredim to evade IDF service?

Critics charge that allocating over NIS 1 billion in yeshiva funding incentivizes draft evasion, while Haredim complain they are being ‘slandered’...

08.04.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Coalition MKs back protesters causing chaos at High Court hearing on Bar firing

Coalition MKs back protesters causing chaos at High Court hearing on Bar firing

Justice minister says cries at court ‘echo the cries of millions’ who feel democracy trampled upon by judges; Lapid pans ‘orchestrated riot,’...

08.04.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Netanyahu files defamation lawsuit against Democrats party chief

Netanyahu files defamation lawsuit against Democrats party chief

Yair Golan had sent a message to supporters of the center-left party accusing the PM of ‘selling Israel’s security for money’ in Qatargate scandal

04.04.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Smotrich reverses resignation as PM helps patch rift among his far-right partners

Smotrich reverses resignation as PM helps patch rift among his far-right partners

Almog Cohen agrees to take deputy ministerial post, resign as MK so Religious Zionism member can rejoin Knesset after being forced out by Otzma...

03.04.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

With only 2% of Haredim heeding IDF draft orders, Liberman urges action against leaders

With only 2% of Haredim heeding IDF draft orders, Liberman urges action against leaders

Opposition MK accuses senior ultra-Orthodox Rabbis Dov Lando and Yitzhak Yosef of promoting evasion during wartime, a crime punishable by 15 years in...

03.04.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Tel Aviv suburb says it’ll defy order to shut new mall on Shabbat amid Haredi threats

Tel Aviv suburb says it’ll defy order to shut new mall on Shabbat amid Haredi threats

Ultra-Orthodox vow boycott of all chains operating in new BIG fashion mall in Ramat Hasharon if it opens on Jewish rest day; Lapid: ‘Stop...

02.04.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

More B-2 stealth bombers seen at US base in striking distance of Iran, Yemen

More B-2 stealth bombers seen at US base in striking distance of Iran, Yemen

At least 6 bombers now at Diego Garcia in Indian Ocean, nearly a third of all nuclear-capable B-2s in US arsenal; at least 4 killed in suspected US...

02.04.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Ben Gvir again ascends, prays on Temple Mount; Haredi MK slams visit as ‘desecration’

Ben Gvir again ascends, prays on Temple Mount; Haredi MK slams visit as ‘desecration’

National security minister’s visit to flashpoint site immediately after Ramadan’s conclusion stirs ‘unnecessary incitement in Muslim world,’...

02.04.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Former PM Naftali Bennett registers new political party ahead of 2026 elections

Former PM Naftali Bennett registers new political party ahead of 2026 elections

Recent polls show new party beating out Netanyahu’s Likud if elections were held today, though source close to Bennett says move does not constitute...

01.04.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

In blitz, Knesset passes laws to rebuild the south, revoke benefits for terrorists

In blitz, Knesset passes laws to rebuild the south, revoke benefits for terrorists

Lawmakers end winter parliamentary session with flurry of votes ahead of month-long recess, including forming an anti-poverty authority, banning...

01.04.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Smotrich briefly resigns as minister in order to push rival party member out of Knesset

Smotrich briefly resigns as minister in order to push rival party member out of Knesset

Religious Zionism party chief slated to reclaim post following maneuver to oust Otzma Yehudit MK Yitzhak Kroizer, amid spat between factions that ran...

01.04.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Netanyahu’s party: Arrest of PM’s aides in Qatargate probe is ‘coup d’état’ by AG, Shin Bet

Netanyahu’s party: Arrest of PM’s aides in Qatargate probe is ‘coup d’état’ by AG, Shin Bet

As advisers are held and premier himself is summoned by police, opposition figures say his ‘wave of spin’ is meant to divert attention from other...

31.03.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

In attacks on media outlets, Netanyahu asks why public broadcaster should be funded

In attacks on media outlets, Netanyahu asks why public broadcaster should be funded

Prime minister also reportedly tells defense, communications ministers to clarify need for Army Radio; Diaspora Minister Chikli accuses Haaretz...

30.03.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Top ultra-Orthodox rabbi orders yeshiva students to ignore IDF conscription orders

Top ultra-Orthodox rabbi orders yeshiva students to ignore IDF conscription orders

In letter published on front page of party newspaper Yated Neeman, Degel HaTorah spiritual leader Rabbi Dov Lando prohibits yeshiva students from...

30.03.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Knesset passes law greatly boosting political control over appointment of judges

Knesset passes law greatly boosting political control over appointment of judges

Measure changing composition of Judicial Selection Committee passes 67-1 after opposition lawmakers boycott final vote. ‘Collapse of the last brake...

27.03.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

‘Democracy isn’t in danger,’ Netanyahu tells Knesset in tirade against ‘deep state’

‘Democracy isn’t in danger,’ Netanyahu tells Knesset in tirade against ‘deep state’

‘The more Hamas persists in its refusal to release our hostages, the more powerful the pressure we will exert,’ says PM, threatening to seize...

26.03.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

In major success for government, Knesset approves 2025 budget, staving off elections

In major success for government, Knesset approves 2025 budget, staving off elections

Coalition lawmakers escorted into Knesset under guard as anti-government protesters block entrance. Opposition MKs chant ‘shame’, families of...

25.03.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Tough sledding for Gal Gadot’s ‘Snow White’ with $43 million opening

Tough sledding for Gal Gadot’s ‘Snow White’ with $43 million opening

Remake of Disney classic brings in just $43 million in ticket sales, after Gaza war comments by star Rachel Zegler and calls to boycott film over...

25.03.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

‘Billions are being stolen’: Opposition slams 2025 state budget ahead of final vote

‘Billions are being stolen’: Opposition slams 2025 state budget ahead of final vote

MKs launch 15-hour extended debate of controversial NIS 756 billion ($203.5 billion) wartime budget, which Lapid pans as the ‘greatest robbery in...

25.03.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

UTJ’s Goldknopf symbolically ‘resigns’ from role in PMO amid row over Haredi draft

UTJ’s Goldknopf symbolically ‘resigns’ from role in PMO amid row over Haredi draft

Housing minister keeps main portfolio but relinquishes second position, citing lack of progress toward military exemption for yeshiva students

25.03.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Haredi minister dances to anti-Zionist song, drawing bipartisan calls for his firing

Haredi minister dances to anti-Zionist song, drawing bipartisan calls for his firing

Yitzchak Goldknopf filmed among crowd singing ‘We will die and not enlist [to the IDF]’; he apologizes after initially dismissing criticism as...

24.03.2025 70

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

PM, President Herzog, Haredi ministers condemn mob attack on Beit Shemesh mayor

‘We must denounce the extremists and the violent among us,’ says United Torah Judaism chairman Goldknopf in wake of assault on Degel...

20.03.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Israel ranks as 8th-happiest nation in global survey, down from 5th last year

Despite ongoing war and political turmoil, Israeli young adults rank highest in self-reported quality of social connections, while in the...

20.03.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Clearing path for budget vote, MKs pass Economic Arrangements Law as Haredim back down

Ben Gvir’s return to the coalition defangs UTJ chief Yitzchak Goldknopf’s threat to scuttle 2025 state budget unless law exempting yeshiva...

20.03.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Haredi extremists attack Beit Shemesh mayor and his family, overturn his car

Assailants injure Shmuel Greenberg’s 19-year-old son; video shows armored police rushing mayor from scene as mob shouting ‘Nazi’...

20.03.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Ben Gvir reappointed police minister as Knesset okays his party’s return to government

Otzma Yehudit rejoins coalition only hours before critical budget vote, bringing coalition majority to 68; Ben Gvir links move to resumption of Gaza...

20.03.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Bennett: PM must quit over Qatari payments to aide; if received knowingly, it’s ‘treason’

Former prime minister calls out leader for ‘cover-up’ of scandal and resistance to investigation; Likud calls him a ‘crook’...

20.03.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Far-right Otzma Yehudit returning to the government after resumption of war in Gaza

‘Together in strength, for the sake of the people of Israel,’ Ben Gvir exults following end of two-month stint in the opposition over...

18.03.2025 7

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

AG urges defense minister to take ‘immediate action’ to penalize Haredi draft evaders

Government must ‘improve enforcement and impose personal sanctions,’ Deputy AG Limon writes, says only a ‘negligible’ fraction...

18.03.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Opposition party chiefs to petition High Court against PM’s effort to fire Ronen Bar

Lawmakers accuse Netanyahu of targeting Shin Bet chief to stop probe of aides’ Qatar links, while ministers say AG’s demand that the...

17.03.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Opposition lawmakers vow ‘resistance,’ legal action against firing of Shin Bet chief

Lapid accuses PM of ousting Ronen Bar in order ‘to sabotage’ probe into aides’ alleged ties to Qatar; Ben Gvir, Smotrich and Karhi praise...

17.03.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

AG, police silent in face of growing ecosystem of Haredi evasion organizations

‘We regret that law enforcement agencies are de facto condoning criminality on such an important issue,’ says Movement for Quality Government;...

09.03.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Knesset to debate withdrawing from WHO over ‘anti-Israel bias, antisemitism’

Health expert says potential departure from international organization would ‘be a source of grief for generations,’ damage Israel’s ability to...

09.03.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

72.5% of Israelis believe Netanyahu should take responsibility for Oct. 7 and resign

Israel Democracy Institute poll also finds similar percentage favors advancing to the second phase of the ceasefire-hostage release deal with Hamas

09.03.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Hasidic MKs tell Netanyahu they’ll oppose budget if draft exemption law not passed

Report says despite PM’s promises, Haredi draft exemption bill likely to be postponed; out of 10,000 Haredim who received draft orders since July,...

07.03.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Haredi lawmakers split on approach to budget, which must pass this month or gov’t falls

While UTJ chair Goldknopf threatens to send Israel to elections if Haredi draft-exemption bill not passed, other Haredi MKs say problems solved with...

06.03.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

‘Do not cooperate’: Nonprofit linked to top Haredi rabbis encourages draft dodging

Haredim are pushing for coalition funds for Vaad HaYeshivot, which tells yeshiva students to ignore the law in favor of ‘the instructions of the...

05.03.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Cabinet approves over NIS 1 billion in coalition funds for Haredim, of a total NIS 5b

Items approved include $350 million for yeshivas, $2.2 million for groups that arrange IDF exemptions for Haredi students, $6.9 million for Jewish...

05.03.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Knesset ushers violently prevent victims’ families from attending debate on Oct. 7 probe

Relatives of victims pushed, hit and dragged away, 3 need medical attention, before they are let into visitors’ gallery; Yarden Bibas urges PM to...

04.03.2025 90

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Coalition lawmakers welcome Netanyahu’s decision to stop entry of aid into Gaza

Halt imposed as Israel accuses Hamas of refusing proposal to extend first phase of truce; terror group slams ‘cheap extortion,’ warns of...

02.03.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Haredi party threatens to topple government unless it gets NIS 1 billion for yeshivas

Writing to cabinet secretary, UTJ chief Goldknopf demands ‘immediate’ action on issue to ensure his party backs the crucial state budget; previous...

02.03.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Shas MK dismisses UTJ threat to torpedo government if no law exempting Haredim from IDF

‘There is no holy date for the conscription law. On the other hand, if the budget is not passed by the end of March, there will be no government,’...

28.02.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Gallant calls on internal Likud tribunal to reject bid to boot him from party

Dozens of central committee members, Likud legal advisor accuse former defense minister of assisting their political opponents, demand he be removed...

28.02.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Haredi conscription law ‘must be temporary,’ says Religious Zionism MK

Michal Woldiger tells The Times of Israel legislation can be extended if it succeeds in boosting enlistment, but if it fails, ‘then something else...

27.02.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Likud MK presents plan for alternate October 7 commission of inquiry

Unlike an apolitical state commission of inquiry, the members of Ariel Kallner’s proposed ‘egalitarian state commission of inquiry’ would be...

26.02.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

UTJ threatens to bring down government unless conscription bill passed before budget

If the passage of a bill exempting Haredim from military service is not expedited, Israel will ‘go to summer elections,’ threatens United Torah...

26.02.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol