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Sam Sokol

Sam Sokol

The Times of Israel

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One victim in Manchester synagogue attack was killed by police gunfire, probe finds

One victim in Manchester synagogue attack was killed by police gunfire, probe finds

Manchester police chief says Adrian Daulby, 53, was accidentally shot through the door when armed officer fired several rounds at terrorist Jihad...

29.10.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Coalition hails probe of leaked video apparently showing abuse of Gazan prisoner

Coalition hails probe of leaked video apparently showing abuse of Gazan prisoner

Far-right lawmaker who joined mob at detention facility where abuse allegedly took place last year accuses military’s top lawyer of distributing...

29.10.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Coalition-backed bill that would strip AG of all authority passes preliminary reading

Coalition-backed bill that would strip AG of all authority passes preliminary reading

Legislation pushed by Levin and Rothman would divide current AG job into 3 separate roles; government trying to ‘turn Israel into a complete...

29.10.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Likud boots Edelstein from defense panel for ‘violations of faction discipline’

Likud boots Edelstein from defense panel for ‘violations of faction discipline’

Move would prevent veteran MK from opposing government bill regulating Haredi enlistment while it’s in committee; replacement not yet announced

29.10.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Dozens of coalition MKs, ministers call on Herzog to free Jewish security prisoners

Dozens of coalition MKs, ministers call on Herzog to free Jewish security prisoners

Members of Likud, Shas, Otzma Yehudit, Religious Zionism and UTJ make demand in response to Israel’s release of Palestinian terrorists under...

28.10.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Lapid says he’ll push for revoking ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers’ right to vote

Lapid says he’ll push for revoking ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers’ right to vote

Liberman welcomes opposition leader’s threat, while Gantz derides ‘illegal’ and undemocratic proposal

27.10.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Ultra-Orthodox plan massive anti-draft rally at entrance to Jerusalem on Thursday

Ultra-Orthodox plan massive anti-draft rally at entrance to Jerusalem on Thursday

Demonstration set to unite Haredi factions in protest of arrests of draft dodgers; 2 members of ruling Likud party weigh joining the event, while...

27.10.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Ministerial committee advances bill aimed at hampering Bennett electoral campaign

Ministerial committee advances bill aimed at hampering Bennett electoral campaign

Bennett says government fears him and is using ‘anti-democratic’ law to try to block his run; panel delays decision on bill allowing...

26.10.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

As election nears, annexation fiasco shows Netanyahu losing control of his coalition

As election nears, annexation fiasco shows Netanyahu losing control of his coalition

PM tried hard to prevent the preliminary approval of two West Bank annexation bills, knowing he risked irritating the Trump administration, but simply...

26.10.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Ministers poised to advance bills that would halt Netanyahu’s trial, block Bennett’s run

Ministers poised to advance bills that would halt Netanyahu’s trial, block Bennett’s run

Attorney general warns legislation aimed to halt PM’s trial is ‘unconstitutional,’ harms equality before the law; former PM decries...

26.10.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Coalition lawmakers join Haredim in protesting arrest of draft dodgers

Coalition lawmakers join Haredim in protesting arrest of draft dodgers

Tally Gotliv, Simcha Rothman and other right-wing and religious MKs call arrests of bereaved yeshiva student and newlywed draft dodger excessive and...

23.10.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Shas quits its coalition posts to protest failure to legislate Haredi draft exemption

Shas quits its coalition posts to protest failure to legislate Haredi draft exemption

But ultra-Orthodox party remains in the coalition, pledging to return to its government and Knesset roles ‘when the status of yeshiva students...

23.10.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Likud to kick Edelstein off Knesset defense panel after he votes for annexation bill

Likud to kick Edelstein off Knesset defense panel after he votes for annexation bill

Former Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chair says ‘dismissal is a moral badge of honor for me’; opposition MK: Netanyahu wants...

22.10.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

‘War on Torah students’: Haredi MKs condemn ‘despicable arrests’ of draft dodgers

‘War on Torah students’: Haredi MKs condemn ‘despicable arrests’ of draft dodgers

Hardline Jerusalem faction reports recent ‘wave of arrests’; MK Goldknopf claims yeshiva students ‘have been made into criminals...

22.10.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

2 West Bank annexation bills get initial nod, with MKs rebelling against PM as Vance visits

2 West Bank annexation bills get initial nod, with MKs rebelling against PM as Vance visits

Netanyahu’s Likud punishes Edelstein for casting decisive vote, dismisses bill as opposition ‘trolling,’ but also says it is working...

22.10.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Invisible wounds haunt IDF’s Gaza veterans as war triggers wave of psychological suffering

Invisible wounds haunt IDF’s Gaza veterans as war triggers wave of psychological suffering

Army tracks dozens of suicides, thousands of requests for recognition of mental illness over two-year war; PTSD sufferers keep up encampment outside...

22.10.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Bismuth says law regulating ultra-Orthodox conscription will be passed in December

Bismuth says law regulating ultra-Orthodox conscription will be passed in December

‘I admire those who wear the uniform, but just as much — and I say this out loud — I admire those who study the Torah,’ Knesset...

22.10.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

‘Disgrace’: Knesset Diaspora panel chair pans Chikli for inviting British firebrand

‘Disgrace’: Knesset Diaspora panel chair pans Chikli for inviting British firebrand

MK Kariv says Tommy Robinson’s visit shows Diaspora minister is ‘uninterested in fighting antisemitism’; representatives of his...

21.10.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Knesset passes law doubling funds for organizations working with disabled soldiers

Knesset passes law doubling funds for organizations working with disabled soldiers

Legislation mandates an annual budget of at least NIS 10 million ($3 million) for groups working for the benefit of disabled vets and victims of...

21.10.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Defense committee postpones discussions on ultra-Orthodox conscription bill

Defense committee postpones discussions on ultra-Orthodox conscription bill

Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chair Boaz Bismuth says delay until next week needed as legal adviser works on new version of...

21.10.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Ohana snubs Supreme Court president at Knesset’s opening session, sparking turmoil

Ohana snubs Supreme Court president at Knesset’s opening session, sparking turmoil

Speaker declines to recognize Amit as head of top court, in row related to coalition’s efforts to constrain judiciary; Herzog slams...

20.10.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Ben Gvir threatens to stop voting with coalition unless death penalty bill advances

Ben Gvir threatens to stop voting with coalition unless death penalty bill advances

Coalition has three weeks to hold first vote on controversial legislation before Otzma Yehudit party stages legislative revolt, vows minister

20.10.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Thousands of Haredim attend ‘Cry of the Exile’ rally in New York against IDF draft

Organizers say 100,000 people protest outside Israeli consulate, heeding call of leading anti-Zionist North American rabbis including rival brother...

20.10.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Why draft-dodger detentions are doing little to keep ultra-Orthodox from evading the IDF

Why draft-dodger detentions are doing little to keep ultra-Orthodox from evading the IDF

Those caught ignoring enlistment orders can only be jailed for a short time; critics claim many exploit mental health exemptions, reducing enforcement...

20.10.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Ministerial panel advances bills increasing government control over senior appointments

Ministerial panel advances bills increasing government control over senior appointments

Attorney General’s Office slams legislation to ease rules on appointing heads of government corporations; Gantz says coalition seeking to...

20.10.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Ben Gvir says he gave PM deadline to dismantle Hamas, enact death penalty for terrorists

Ben Gvir says he gave PM deadline to dismantle Hamas, enact death penalty for terrorists

Far-right minister declines to specify timeline for quitting government, says Netanyahu ‘knows very well what will happen’ if he...

18.10.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Knesset defense panel chair submits principles for potential Haredi draft bill

Knesset defense panel chair submits principles for potential Haredi draft bill

Likud MK Boaz Bismuth announces draft bill to be ‘formulated in the coming days’; critics claim proposal would exempt ultra-Orthodox from...

17.10.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Haredi mob breaks into Beit Shemesh mayor’s home in second attack this year

Haredi mob breaks into Beit Shemesh mayor’s home in second attack this year

Rioters break down gates, destroy electrical box seven months after overturning mayor’s car; we ‘will not give in to violence,’ vows...

17.10.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Knesset winter session to open with annexation push, but PM unlikely to back effort

Knesset winter session to open with annexation push, but PM unlikely to back effort

Ministerial committee likely won’t advance bills to apply sovereignty to West Bank despite significant parliamentary support, as coalition...

16.10.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Liberman wins defamation case against activist who claimed he sought to kill cop

Liberman wins defamation case against activist who claimed he sought to kill cop

Petah Tikva Magistrate’s Court orders former Yisrael Beytenu activist to pay NIS 200,000 over claim party chairman had offered him $100,000 to...

16.10.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Trump urges Herzog to pardon Netanyahu: ‘Who cares about cigars and champagne?’

Trump urges Herzog to pardon Netanyahu: ‘Who cares about cigars and champagne?’

US president’s call for end to PM’s trial during speech to Knesset prompts murmurs, cheers and chants of ‘Bibi’; Liberman...

13.10.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Smotrich says he will oppose hostage deal, as his party weighs quitting the government

Religious Zionism source says decision hasn’t been made yet; Ben Gvir mum on deal after earlier threat to bolt if Hamas ‘remains in...

09.10.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Israeli Arab politicians welcome Gaza deal reached despite ‘bloodthirsty government’

Hadash, Ta’al, Ra’am and Balad MKs celebrate the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian security prisoners, welcome aid to Gaza and...

09.10.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Opposition and most of coalition unite in praising agreement to return hostages

While Netanyahu hails ‘great day for Israel’ and Herzog and Lapid call for Trump to receive Nobel Peace Prize, Smotrich says he will not...

09.10.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Liberman sparks criticism after doubling down on warning of impending Iran attack

Yisrael Beytenu chairman again tells Israelis to stay near sheltered spaces during Sukkot, cautioning that Tehran is seeking ‘revenge’ for...

08.10.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Opposition heads pledge safety net for Trump plan, while vowing to topple government

All six main leaders of anti-Netanyahu ‘change bloc’ meet for first time to coordinate efforts, call for ousting PM as soon as upcoming...

08.10.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Cabinet ministers to celebrate holiday with convicted criminal turned party activist

Senior Likud members set to attend Sukkot event sponsored by party activist Rafi Chaim-Kedoshim, who has been convicted for acts of violence,...

08.10.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Government launches October 7 documentation website to expose ‘organized evil’ of Hamas

Diaspora Ministry-backed site features Hamas instructions to assault forces, ‘religious dispensations to murder’ and other documentation...

06.10.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Haredi MK panned for seeming to liken detained draft dodgers to Gaza hostages

In letter to PM, Goldknopf hails Trump proposal, urges freeing yeshiva students; Lapid slams ‘spoiled brats who think they have the right to...

06.10.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Smotrich assails Gaza deal but doesn’t say he’ll try to sink it, as praise pours in

US-led proposal draws plaudits from broad swath of Israeli politicians; Netanyahu claims agreement won’t lead to Palestinian state; Hamas...

30.09.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Hostage families, opposition lawmakers hail US Gaza plan but PM’s allies remain skeptical

Far-right ministers mum on proposed ceasefire-hostage deal while fuming over Netanyahu’s apology to Qatar; senior Likud members laud his...

30.09.2025 100

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Naftali Bennett says first move as PM would be setting term limit for the post

Support for legislation a prerequisite for joining the government, says Bennett; Gantz welcomes announcement but notes that the former PM himself was...

25.09.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Tens of thousands of Israeli pilgrims head to Ukraine to mark Jewish new year

Despite initial reports that Israel would spend millions to bolster infrastructure to smooth path for worshipers, ‘there is no deal and there is...

22.09.2025 70

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Former Balad MK Hanin Zoabi arrested for alleged terrorist incitement

Retired Israeli legislator told conference in Vienna that ‘you cannot differentiate between Hamas and the Palestinian people,’ says...

21.09.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Opposition chiefs form ‘permanent forum’ to work on ousting PM; Bennett, Gantz stay away

Lapid, Liberman, Golan and Eisenkot to meet again next month on ways to defeat Netanyahu, expect Bennett, Gantz to join them; aim to set up team to...

21.09.2025 90

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Iran halts IAEA cooperation after Europe triggers UN sanctions snapback

Tehran says European powers’ decision to reimpose UN sanctions derails recent monitoring deal and deepens nuclear standoff

21.09.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

PM assails anti-government demonstrators after Likud MK falls in crowd of protesters

MK Eli Dallal says experience was like ‘being lynched,’ even as he acknowledges that he fell when he bumped into protester, and...

21.09.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Qatar meets with ICC head to seek legal action over Israeli attack on Hamas leaders

As an observer state, Qatar cannot itself refer cases to court, but continues to pursue ‘every available legal and diplomatic avenue to ensure...

18.09.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Former center-right minister Yoaz Hendel forms new ‘Reservists’ party

New faction aims to be a bridge between left and right, pledges not to engage in political boycotts; platform calls for universal conscription,...

18.09.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol

Despite founding new party, Eisenkot still looking at merger with other factions

Source with knowledge of the matter says Opposition Leader Yair Lapid holding out hope for possible joint run with newly established ‘Yashar!...

17.09.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Sam Sokol