Hezki Baruch

Hezki Baruch

Arutz Sheva political correspondent

News by Hezki Baruch

'Negative incentive to serve'

Attorney General voices harsh opinion against conscription law

Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, calls conscription law draft 'a negative incentive for enlistment,' prompting fierce backlash from haredi leaders who accuse her of targeting Torah study.

Attorney General voices harsh opinion against conscription law

Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely's new position

Former Ambassador of Israel to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, will teach governance and international public diplomacy at Ariel University.

Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely's new position

Security alert causes cancelation of MKs' Georgia trip

A security warning regarding a potential terrorist attack led to the cancellation of Knesset members’ participation in the "Israeli Week" conference in Georgia.

Security alert causes cancelation of MKs' Georgia trip

'No one more deserving'

'No one more deserving:' Knesset Speaker advances Initiative to award Trump Nobel Prize

Speaker Ohana and the US House Speaker signed a letter of recommendation, which includes a call for heads of parliaments around the world to join in recommending Trump for the Nobel Prize.

'No one more deserving:' Knesset Speaker advances Initiative to award Trump Nobel Prize

Netanyahu

Netanyahu: 'Antisemites of the world spread things said in the Knesset'

Prime Minister Netanyahu responded in the Knesset plenary to the opposition's claims during the 40-signature debate, "The Collapse of Israel's International Standing."

Netanyahu: 'Antisemites of the world spread things said in the Knesset'

Diaspora Minister: Quit the nonsense

Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli slams former Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf for thwarting bills to help settlements, advancing projects for haredim only.

Diaspora Minister: Quit the nonsense

US vs sovereignty?

US vs sovereignty? Trump adviser slams JD Vance

Dr. Mike Evans, Evangelical leader considered close to US President Donald Trump slams US opposition to Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. 'Policy of G-d is that Judea and Samaria is Bible land.'

US vs sovereignty? Trump adviser slams JD Vance

Israeli government approves 2026 budget

Israel’s government approved a NIS 662B budget for 2026, including a NIS 112B defense framework, alongside a contested dairy reform.

Israeli government approves 2026 budget

'Suspected support for terror'

'Suspected support for terrorism': MK Sukkot demands investigation into Ayman Odeh

MK Tzvi Sukkot calls on the head of the Investigations Division to launch an inquiry into MK Ayman Odeh’s entry into Area A without coordination with security authorities.

'Suspected support for terrorism': MK Sukkot demands investigation into Ayman Odeh

Defense Minister clarifies: No administrative detentions

Defense Minister Israel Katz, lawmakers clash over administrative detentions of Jews.

Defense Minister clarifies: No administrative detentions

Sukkot demands discussion:

Sukkot demands discussion: Examine ties with Palestinian Authority security forces

MK Tzvi Sukkot calls on the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee to hold an urgent debate on the continuation of security cooperation with the Palestinian Authority.

Sukkot demands discussion: Examine ties with Palestinian Authority security forces

End of discriminatory law

End of discriminatory law: Major step towards land ownership equality in Judea and Samaria

The Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee approved the first reading of the bill to repeal the Jordanian law prohibiting Jews from purchasing real estate in Judea and Samaria.

End of discriminatory law: Major step towards land ownership equality in Judea and Samaria

Interior Committee reveals serious deficiencies in preparedness for a possible earthquake

A discussion held in the Interior Committee headed by MK Yitzhak Kreuzer revealed serious gaps in Israel's preparedness for earthquakes. Kreuzer warned, 'If there is no one in charge, it is impossible to manage an event of this scale.'

Interior Committee reveals serious deficiencies in preparedness for a possible earthquake

Due to police interrogation

MK Succot refused US visa due to police interrogation

The US consulate halted the visa process after Succot admitted that he had been questioned by the police the day before on his entry into the Sde Teiman military base.

MK Succot refused US visa due to police interrogation

Colombia: 17 minors rescued from Lev Tahor cult

Colombia authorities raid Lev Tahor compound, rescuing 17 boys, girls, and teens from cult members.

Colombia: 17 minors rescued from Lev Tahor cult

Confrontation with police at protest against UN decision

Dozens of right-wing activists are demonstrating this morning in front of the Cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, protesting the UN Security Council decision.

Confrontation with police at protest against UN decision

Right-wing groups to protest government over Palestinian state

The Sovereignty Movement and other right-wing groups to demonstrate outside Sunday’s government meeting in Jerusalem.

Right-wing groups to protest government over Palestinian state

Cave of the Patriarchs utilities shifted to Israeli control

For the first time in decades, Israel has taken full control of the site's electricity and water from the Waqf.

Cave of the Patriarchs utilities shifted to Israeli control

Lone soldiers share their journey

Two soldiers who participated in special event for lone soldiers, spoke to Arutz Sheva about their experiences, challenges, and the deep sense of purpose they found along the way

Lone soldiers share their journey

Netanyahu orders team to improve road safety in Judea, Samaria

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders creation of special team to work with IDF on preventing traffic accidents in Judea and Samaria.

Netanyahu orders team to improve road safety in Judea, Samaria

Government to advance independent commission of inquiry into October 7th Massacre

The government has decided to back an independent commission of inquiry into the events of October 7th, which will aim to receive widespread public trust.

Government to advance independent commission of inquiry into October 7th Massacre

October 7th massacre:

Ben Gvir: 'Investigate AG on October 7th massacre as well'

In a discussion on establishing a national inquiry committee, Minister Ben Gvir demanded to also investigate the Attorney General. The ministers prefer a non-political committee.

Ben Gvir: 'Investigate AG on October 7th massacre as well'

Gov to approve NIS 114 Million for Yeshivas, youth movements, and National Service

The new budget allocation will support Hesder yeshivas and higher yeshivas that encourage military service, youth movements, pre-military academies, the national service framework, student villages, Ofek preparatory programs, and local emergency response teams operating in the Negev and the Galilee.

Gov to approve NIS 114 Million for Yeshivas, youth movements, and National Service

'Path To Palestinian Statehood':

'Path To Palestinian Statehood': Ben-Gvir and Smotrich demand action from Netanyahu

The two demanded that Netanyahu oppose the U.S. statement at the UN, which said "to begin a process that offers a pathway to Palestinian self-determination and to the establishment of a state."

'Path To Palestinian Statehood': Ben-Gvir and Smotrich demand action from Netanyahu

Yisrael Beyteinu MK demands funding to remove UNRWA facilities

MK Yulia Malinovsky demands immediate funding from the Finance Ministry for implementing the UNRWA laws after a prolonged delay in the actions required to apply the legislation.

Yisrael Beyteinu MK demands funding to remove UNRWA facilities

MK Revivo

MK Revivo: 'PM will be acquited, no reason to seek a pardon'

Likud MK Eliyahu Revivo rejected President Trump’s call to ask President Isaac Herzog to consider pardoning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing confidence that Netanyahu will be acquitted.

MK Revivo: 'PM will be acquited, no reason to seek a pardon'

Three Bedouins arrested after they threatened to murder Minister Ben-Gvir

Police arrested three Tel Sheva residents for threatening to murder Minister Ben-Gvir over demolitions; a taxi and camera were seized as the investigation continues.

Three Bedouins arrested after they threatened to murder Minister Ben-Gvir

Revealed:

Revealed: Military Censor authorized publication of Sde Teiman video

Deputy Chief Censor Meir Malka said the controversial Sde Teiman video was authorized for publication.

Revealed: Military Censor authorized publication of Sde Teiman video

Ben Gvir

Ben Gvir: 'Terrorists who come to kill will only be released to hell'

Ben Gvir noted at a faction meeting that after the first reading of the death penalty for terrorists law in the plenum, the committee will begin accelerated discussions with the aim of quickly enacting the legislation.

Ben Gvir: 'Terrorists who come to kill will only be released to hell'

Religious Zionist MK:

Religious Zionist MK to Arutz Sheva: Why Mamdani's victory is a good thing

MK Ohad Tal warns Mamdani’s win signals deep moral decline in US society but says it could spark a patriotic awakening to reclaim national values and direction.

Religious Zionist MK to Arutz Sheva: Why Mamdani's victory is a good thing

Finance Minister declares:

Finance Minister declares: 0% tax for new immigrants

Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich and Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer unveil groundbreaking initiative, offering new olim and returning residents major tax benefits.

Finance Minister declares: 0% tax for new immigrants

Shin Bet data

Shin Bet data: 80% of terrorists released in Shalit deal returned to terror

In a confidential hearing of the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, a Shin Bet representative said that 80% of the terrorists convicted of murder who were released in the Shalit deal returned to terrorism.

Shin Bet data: 80% of terrorists released in Shalit deal returned to terror

By a majority of 54 to 47

By a majority of 54 to 47: Communications Law passes first reading

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi’s bill, which includes broad regulatory reform, passes its first reading. Simultaneously, a bill to anchor the authority of rabbinical courts as arbitrators is approved as well.

By a majority of 54 to 47: Communications Law passes first reading

Bill for death penalty for terrorists passes first reading

In confidential meeting, National Security Committee notes change in security bodies' positions, as bill to allow death penalty for terrorists passes first Knesset reading.

Bill for death penalty for terrorists passes first reading

New bill proposes:

New bill seeks to revoke citizenship from Israelis who move to Gaza

Ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Yitzhak Kroizer push legislation to strip citizenship or residency from Israelis who choose to live in Hamas-run Gaza, citing national security risks and aiming to block their return to Israel.

New bill seeks to revoke citizenship from Israelis who move to Gaza

Inside MedEx:

Inside MedEx: Australian-Jewish doctors share aliyah dreams

Arutz Sheva joined the first-ever MedEx events in Sydney and Melbourne, meeting Jewish doctors planning aliyah and reporting firsthand on the challenges and motivations they face.

Inside MedEx: Australian-Jewish doctors share aliyah dreams

Shas declares resignations over delay in draft law

The Shas party has ramped up pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance legislation regulating the draft status of yeshiva students.

Shas declares resignations over delay in draft law

MK Moshe Saada:

MK Moshe Saada: Sovereignty? Actions matter more than slogans

MK Moshe Saada supports applying sovereignty in Judea and Samaria but expresses reservations in an interview with Arutz Sheva about the timing of introducing the bill in the Knesset.

MK Moshe Saada: Sovereignty? Actions matter more than slogans

Preliminary reading:

Knesset passes Judea and Samaria sovereignty bill in preliminary reading

MK Avi Maoz's bill to apply Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria passed in a preliminary reading with a one-vote majority. Likud MK Yuli Edelstein broke with his party to vote for the bill.

Knesset passes Judea and Samaria sovereignty bill in preliminary reading

Hamas still possesses hundreds of rockets

Security officials warn Hamas still holds hundreds of rockets, over 10,000 weapons, and over half its tunnel network.

Hamas still possesses hundreds of rockets