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Sam Sokol

Sam Sokol

The Times of Israel

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In midst of war with Iran, Haredim continue to push for sweeping draft exemptions

In midst of war with Iran, Haredim continue to push for sweeping draft exemptions

Spokeswoman for Knesset defense panel chairman Boaz Bismuth says draft of controversial bill ready to advance once Knesset resumes normal...

yesterday 20

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Will the war with Iran boost Netanyahu’s prospects at the ballot box?

Will the war with Iran boost Netanyahu’s prospects at the ballot box?

PM unlikely to push for early elections to capitalize on wartime gains because that would come off as ‘political and cynical,’ says coalition source

previous day 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

AG urges High Court to force Netanyahu to fire Ben Gvir; coalition fumes

AG urges High Court to force Netanyahu to fire Ben Gvir; coalition fumes

Baharav-Miara says prime minister’s silence on matter could be seen as endorsing far-right minister’s ‘improper conduct’

previous day 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

‘Everything is gone’: Deadly Iranian strike on Beit Shemesh leaves residents reeling

‘Everything is gone’: Deadly Iranian strike on Beit Shemesh leaves residents reeling

Nine people are killed and dozens are wounded in city after a ballistic missile brings chaos and destruction to a quiet residential street

01.03.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Israeli opposition leaders rally behind government as Israel and US strike Iran

Israeli opposition leaders rally behind government as Israel and US strike Iran

‘We are all united on the operation,’ declares Lapid; Arab-majority Hadash party calls Israel ‘full partner’ in ‘global American...

28.02.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Likud’s ultra-Orthodox wing accuses Haredi factions of seeking to take over party

In a letter to Netanyahu, Likud Haredim condemn what they describe as an ‘organized movement aimed at harming and weakening Likud and its leader’

26.02.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

With Modi in Knesset, Opposition boycott PM’s speech over exclusion of High Court chief

With Modi in Knesset, Opposition boycott PM’s speech over exclusion of High Court chief

Lawmakers stage partial boycott, reentering plenum to attend speech by Indian premier. Walk-out has ‘nothing to do with you,’ Lapid tells Modi

25.02.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

MKs approve preliminary bill cementing Orthodox control over entire Western Wall

MKs approve preliminary bill cementing Orthodox control over entire Western Wall

Haredim praise bill giving Chief Rabbinate authority over prayer at Old City site, calling it victory over Reform Movement; progressives say Israel...

25.02.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Defying Knesset, Smotrich ups tax exemption for online purchases from abroad to $130

Defying Knesset, Smotrich ups tax exemption for online purchases from abroad to $130

Hours after previous order was voted down by lawmakers, finance minister signs a new one, vows to free Israeli citizens from ‘monopolies,’ defeat...

25.02.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

AG tells High Court government failing to sanction ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers

AG tells High Court government failing to sanction ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers

Leaders haven’t formulated a plan despite deadline on issue passing weeks ago, says Gali Baharav-Miara; government secretary argues no available...

25.02.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Netanyahu: An attack on Israel would be ‘most serious mistake’ in Iranian history

Netanyahu: An attack on Israel would be ‘most serious mistake’ in Iranian history

If war with Iran comes, internal conflicts ‘will be put into deep freeze,’ Opposition Leader Yair Lapid tells Knesset during 40-signatures debate

23.02.2026 150

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Netanyahu nixes ministerial vote on bill cementing Orthodox control of Western Wall

Netanyahu nixes ministerial vote on bill cementing Orthodox control of Western Wall

Justice minister calls on MKs to vote in favor, coalition whip receives PM’s permission to give MKs freedom to vote freely on the controversial...

22.02.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

State budget set to increase spending on Haredi education by NIS 1 billion

Ultra-Orthodox school networks associated with Shas and UTJ parties to receive hundreds of millions of taxpayer shekels despite not properly teaching...

19.02.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Lapid threatens to boycott Modi’s Knesset visit if High Court president not invited

Opposition Leader’s ultimatum comes after several high-profile snubs of justice Isaac Amit; Ohana calls warning ‘illegitimate,’ accuses Lapid of...

18.02.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Smotrich to Arab MKs: It’s not the government’s fault ‘you murder one another’

‘Educate your public to stop murdering,’ far-right minister says; opposition lawmakers accuse him of racism, rail at government for failing to...

17.02.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Lapid warns ‘liberal bloc’ may lose next election if it doesn’t unite – behind him

‘If we don’t come to our senses, we will lose,’ opposition leader says, argues his party is best situated to lead; prominent anti-government...

16.02.2026 150

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Bennett and Deri spar after mob attacks female soldiers in Bnei Brak

Former PM visits city, accuses coalition of turning blind eye to ultra-Orthodox incitement against joining army; Shas leader calls for restraining...

16.02.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Bnei Brak violence follows years of rabbinic incitement and anti-draft campaigns

Attack on two female soldiers occurs after hardline Jerusalem Faction sends out incorrect alert that they were attempting to deliver conscription...

15.02.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

2 female soldiers chased by rioting Haredi mob in Bnei Brak, rescued by police

Police nab 23 rioters after cop car flipped, motorcycle set alight; Tel Aviv police chief chides IDF for not clearing army visit with cops

15.02.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Haredi spiritual leaders: Those who arrest draft dodgers could face divine retribution

Rabbis of Shas, UTJ’s Degel HaTorah call on Military Police to refuse orders rather than commit the ‘terrible crime’ of arresting...

10.02.2026 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Coalition advances key budget bill after enough Haredi MKs walk back revolt plans

Knesset approves split of Arrangements Bill, helping ensure budget passes before deadline; talks on Haredi draft bill still stuck, in what ups chances...

10.02.2026 20

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Defense Ministry facing severe shortage of therapists to treat soldiers with PTSD

Ministry’s Social Services Responses Division tells Knesset there is only one caseworker available per 850 post-traumatic veterans

10.02.2026 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Lapid: Police may need to probe Netanyahu’s ‘intentional forgery’ of October 7 protocols

Opposition leader says ‘biased editing of protocols of security discussions’ goes beyond PM’s usual ‘lying’; Gantz calls...

09.02.2026 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Visiting Israeli border, Lebanese PM vows to expand state authority against Hezbollah

While lamenting near-daily IDF strikes as a ‘blow to our dignity,’ Nawaf Salam pledges reconstruction, restoration of public services...

08.02.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Gallant: PM a ‘liar’ who undermined security chiefs, built false narrative of Oct. 7

Ex-defense minister joined by Lapid in upbraiding Netanyahu for cherrypicked quotes, shirking accountability in his response to state...

08.02.2026 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Netanyahu said to tell MKs there was ‘no treason’ on Oct. 7, countering his son’s conspiracy theory

Premier reportedly tells closed-door meeting there were ‘intelligence failures,’ but he didn’t ignore pre-onslaught warnings;...

06.02.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Religious Zionism MK says Haredi draft bill needs changes before party can back it

Moshe Solomon calls for fixes to close loopholes such as clause allowing recruitment targets to be lowered, says party united in demands, but source...

06.02.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Likud casts religious Zionist critics of Haredi draft bill as left-wing agitators

In attempt to counter considerable national religious opposition to bill exempting yeshiva students from IDF, ruling party claims activists are trying...

05.02.2026 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Haredi extremists pay grants to draft evaders after their release from military prison

Group linked to Jerusalem Faction hands one dodger NIS 60,000, says ‘the goal is to strengthen all yeshiva students so they won’t be...

04.02.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

As Haredi protests spiral into perilous chaos, police are often nowhere to be found

Cops appear to be taking hands-off approach to unrest, allowing demonstrations to turn violent while employing excessive force once they do respond,...

29.01.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

2026 state budget passes first reading in Knesset with partial Haredi support

MKs vote 62-55 in favor of budget with some $262 billion in total expenditures; Shas and Degel HaTorah come out in favor after last-minute...

29.01.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Budget likely to advance after crisis over conscription, as Haredi factions signal support

Lawmakers set to hold initial vote Wednesday night, after standoff over ongoing disagreements on ultra-Orthodox draft led to threats of early...

28.01.2026 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Likud MK says legislation regulating Haredi enlistment is ready for committee vote

‘We are reaching the finish line,’ boasts Boaz Bismuth, urging fellow lawmakers to pass controversial bill in its final two readings...

28.01.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Up to 80% of all draft evaders are ultra-Orthodox, IDF general tells Knesset

Total number of those classified as draft evaders or as having not shown up when ordered jumps from 13,000 to 68,000 over just two years, after broad...

28.01.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Netanyahu holds urgent talks as Smotrich calls for elections over budget vote delay

Holdup caused by ultra-Orthodox objections to proposed amendments to controversial draft bill; Haredi politicians, finance minister meet with...

26.01.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Bennett files complaint against Likud over fake image of him with Arab party leaders

Ex-PM accuses Netanyahu’s party of ‘malicious forgery’ for inserting his image into photo of Arab politicians celebrating an...

26.01.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

79% of kids under 3 in Jerusalem are in unsupervised daycares, Knesset panel hears

Grim figures shown to joint meeting of several committees, after 2 babies died and dozens were hurt in unlicensed center in the capital; MK:...

26.01.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Knesset approves first reading of bill banning use of ‘Skunk’ spray on protesters

Rights groups, medical experts and lawmakers pan firing of putrid liquid from water cannons on demonstrators; ex-police superintendent calls for...

22.01.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Haredi draft exemption marching ahead, but contentious bill still faces uphill battle

With rebel MKs possibly withholding support, legislation is set to advance out of committee but may be slow to face Knesset vote, putting...

21.01.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

30,000 Israelis designated as draft evaders, but true figure is higher, IDF says

Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee told the figure is likely to rise by many thousands in coming month, as coalition rushes to pass law exempting...

21.01.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

2 minors nabbed for alleged attack on Shas MK’s son over Haredi draft exemption bill

Assailants reportedly curse victim over IDF draft issue in latest attack on ultra-Orthodox lawmakers by hardline elements; Shas casts incident as...

20.01.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Smotrich calls to shutter US-led Gaza coordination center, resettle Strip

Far-right finance minister declares it’s ‘either us or them’ as he makes the case to reverse the 2005 disengagement, impose military...

19.01.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Ministerial committee advances bill to make AG take lie detector test every 2 years

Bill says ‘trust in law enforcement is very low’ due to leaks, selective enforcement, personal interests, as Otzma Yehudit MK continues...

19.01.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Police set to charge bus driver who ran over Haredi protester with aggravated murder

Driver’s attorney says suspect felt his life was in danger as demonstrators gathered around bus; 14-year-old killed and three injured in...

07.01.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Teenager killed, others injured after bus runs over Haredi protesters in Jerusalem

Victim named as Yosef Eisenthal, 14; Ben Gvir says police probing ‘all investigatory angles’ of incident, which occurred as tens of...

07.01.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Poll: Likud members would put firebrand Gotliv in top primary spot, second only to PM

Populist MK ‘grateful for the great trust’; however, Netanyahu reportedly sees her as an electoral liability, and experts expect...

06.01.2026 20

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Poll: Support for state commission into Oct. 7 recedes as PM pushes alternative

Majority of 55% of Israelis still support the formation of a state inquiry, down from 67% in July 2024; 22% now favor politically appointed probe,...

06.01.2026 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Senior ultra-Orthodox rabbi: Those enforcing Haredi draft are fighting against God

Degel HaTorah spiritual leader Rabbi Dov Lando celebrates release of draft dodgers from military prison, claims Haredim ‘find ourselves in exile...

05.01.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Shas vows to oppose 2026 budget unless coalition passes Haredi draft exemption bill

Deputy AG assails government for ignoring High Court order on sanctions for draft dodgers; Goldknopf compares penalties for yeshiva students to...

04.01.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Ben Gvir’s dismissal ‘will not happen,’ vows Netanyahu, bucking AG’s pressure

In tense cabinet meeting, deputy AG trades barbs with far-right minister, warns he is eroding police independence by interfering in investigations

04.01.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol