2026 Elections

Supreme Court rules:

Cassif, Joint List, and Ra'am can run in elections

Supreme Court allows MK Ofer Cassif, the Joint List, and Ra'am to run, while proceedings against Sami Abu Shehadeh were dropped after he withdrew his candidacy.

Beginning again - Simchat Torah

To some observers, another Israeli election represents further evidence of instability, but Simchat Torah - celebrated just three weeks earlier - suggests another interpretation.

Following Court proposal

Balad decides: Sami Abu Shehadeh to withdraw

Balad decides to accept the Supreme Court justices’ proposal: Party chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh will withdraw from the Knesset race, avoiding a reasoned ruling on his disqualification.

Supreme Court's recommendation to Balad leader: Quit

An expanded panel of nine justices considers the Central Elections Committee’s decision to disqualify Arab parties and two MKs from running in the next Knesset election.

Leading haredi rabbi blasts calls to boycott Knesset elections

Rabbi Dov Lando sharply condemns haredi voices urging election boycott, saying those promoting such a move act out of 'wickedness or stupidity.'

Ahead of elections

Shin Bet develops new security plan for party leaders

Shin Bet Director David Zini approves measures including active threat monitoring, coordination with private security teams, and armed protection even without a specific threat.

Lapid meets Netanyahu:

'No reason to cause public panic'

Meeting between Netanyahu and Lapid on security threats ahead of the election ends after about 30 minutes. Lapid says he will not disclose the briefing’s contents but states: “There is no reason to cause public panic."

Netanyahu

'Signs our enemies will try to attack us ahead of elections'

During a visit to an Israeli Air Force base, the Prime Minister issued a stern warning to terrorist organizations: “Our long arm will reach you anywhere and at any time."

Ben-Gvir vows:

As Defense Minister, I will burn Sinwar's body

Ben-Gvir reiterates his demand to become Defense Minister, vowing to burn the bodies of Sinwar and October 7 terrorists currently held in Israel.

Agudat Yisrael fires opening shot in election campaign

Agudat Israel kicks off its election campaign in Bnei Brak as Elyakim Stark apologizes for failing to protect yeshiva students and calls for unity ahead of a critical battle over the future of the haredi public.

Abu Shehadeh's video that contradicts his claims of ignorance

Video shows Balad chief repeating his controversial remarks days after October 7, contradicting his claim of ignorance about the massacre.

Shin Bet Chief orders personal protection for Gadi Eisenkot

Shin Bet chief David Zini approves a personal security detail for Gadi Eisenkot, while a decision on protection for Yair Golan remains pending.

Poll:

Most Israelis support disqualification of Arab parties

Kan News poll gives Yashar 23 seats, Likud 21 and Bennett-Lapid 11, with both rival blocs tied at 52 seats just one month before Israel's elections.

Smotrich:

Wage war on terror in Judea and Samaria - just like in Gaza

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calls for dismantling the Palestinian Authority, warns Ofer Winter's independent run could waste right-wing votes.

Asher to haredi voters: Don't fall for Smotrich and Ben Gvir

UTJ chairman MK Yakov Asher urges haredi unity, warns against rival parties courting haredi voters.

Netanyahu: “Hamas will try to disrupt the elections"

One month before the elections, the Prime Minister addresses concerns over a surprise Hamas attack on the eve of the vote and dismisses rumors of a plea bargain in his trial.

$200 to boycott election

Sohlberg blocks Satmar hasidic group

$200 in exchange for boycotting election: Sohlberg blocks Satmar hasidic group

After demanding defense portfolio: Otzma Yehudit rises to 8 seats

An i24NEWS poll projects Otzma Yehudit winning 8 seats after Itamar Ben Gvir announced he would demand the Defense portfolio in the next government. The coalition reaches 60 seats.

Pindrus: Our only issue is protecting Torah learners

Degel HaTorah MK Yitzhak Pindrus dismisses polls, says party’s decisions after the election will depend on who protects status of yeshiva students.

Arutz Sheva Election Barometer

How will ‘Change Bloc’ supporters vote when put to the test?

Around 5 seats’ worth of voters from the “Change Bloc" and the Reservists-Economic Party may reconsider their vote if it becomes clear that the Change Bloc cannot form a government without the Arab parties.

Elections Committee rejects bid to disqualify Otzma Yehudit

Committee votes 19-10 against barring Ben Gvir’s party from the Knesset race; bids to disqualify Religious Zionism-Zehut and the Democrats also fail.

Poll:

Bennett continues to lose ground

A Channel 13 News poll shows Naftali Bennett’s Together party falling to a new low of 11 seats, while the Religious Zionist-Zehut alliance remains steady at six.

Netanyahu, Liberman clash over Jordan plan for Judea and Samaria

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demands Yisrael Beytenu chair MK Avigdor Liberman retract proposal for Jordan to administer Areas A and B; Liberman fires back.

After Cassif and Abu Shehadeh: Ra’am also disqualified

The Central Elections Committee voted to disqualify Ra’am from running in the elections for the 26th Knesset, following its decisions regarding Cassif and Abu Shehadeh.

Sami Abu Shehadeh disqualified from Knesset race

In rare move, Justice Noam Sohlberg joins 31-4 vote to bar Abu Shehadeh from Knesset race: 'If there is a clear case, this is it.'

Elections Committee disqualifies Ofer Cassif from Knesset race

Committee votes 19-5 to bar Cassif from running over support for armed struggle against Israel; decision now heads to Supreme Court.

First sign of support?

Trump boosts Netanyahu with election poll post

US President Donald Trump shares report highlighting a poll showing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc in lead, in notable show of support weeks before Israel’s elections.

Yisrael Beytenu: We’ll vote to disqualify Ra’am

MK Avigdor Liberman’s Yisrael Beytenu party says Ra’am, the Joint List, Ofer Cassif and Sami Abu Shehadeh have no place in Knesset.

Balad expects Court to overturn disqualification of its leader

Senior Balad official says Sami Abu Shehadeh article, which was interpreted as expressing support for the October 7 attack, was analytical in nature and did not constitute an expression of his position.

Ben Gvir seeks to become Defense Minister

Itamar Ben Gvir announced that Otzma Yehudit will demand the Defense Ministry for himself and the Justice Ministry for Tally Gotliv in the next government.

Election Day is near:

'The sword is coming. The time to warn the people is now.'

The prophet Ezekiel said that the watchman who does not warn of coming dangers is responsible for the ensuing catastrophe. A call to first-time voters: the key to pre-empting the Left’s dirty tricks to steal the forthcoming Israeli elections. Opinion.

Islamic Movement leader

Mansour Abbas to retire from politics in coming years

Islamic Movement leader backs Mansour Abbas’ strategy and says he is approaching the end of his political mission.

New poll: Likud drops to 18 seats, Winter crosses threshold

Yashar! leads with 23 seats as Likud continues to slide, while Amcha Yisrael returns to the Knesset; right-wing bloc holds at 50 Knesset seats.

Court bans transfer of voter turnout data from polling stations

Supreme Court justices unanimously accept petitions, ruling that transferring information from polling stations to political parties about whether voters cast ballots violates the law and infringes on privacy.

Dispute in State Attorney’s Office over Balad disqualification

Senior officials support disqualifying Balad chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh, while the Deputy State Attorney has reservations and the AG awaits his response.

'Will bring down the right"

Netanyahu hints against voting for Winter

Netanyahu alluded to Ofer Winter and warned: “You must not vote for a party that will not cross the electoral threshold or that will transfer votes to Liberman."

Kariv appeals to Arab voters in Arabic, unveils election pledges

MK Gilad Kariv appeals to Arab voters in Arabic, pledging to repeal the Nation-State and Kaminitz laws and advance employment and development.

Petition seeks to disqualify Smotrich, Feiglin and Sukkot

A petition submitted to the Central Elections Committee seeks to disqualify Bezalel Smotrich, Moshe Feiglin and Zvi Sukkot from running for office, as well as their electoral slate.

Yisrael Beytenu hits back at Eisenkot: Who are your partners?

Yisrael Beytenu party fires back after Yashar! chairman Gadi Eisenkot criticizes rivals, challenging Eisenkot to reveal who he would rely on to form a government.

Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef: Don’t vote for Temple Mount visitors

Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef appears to take aim at National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, warning voters not to support politicians who ascend the Temple Mount.

Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef: Use ma’aser to fly home and vote Shas

Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef rules Israelis abroad may use charity funds to buy flights to Israel in order to vote for Sephardic-haredi party.

Eisenkot draws red line: No rotation government

Yashar! chairman Gadi Eisenkot says next prime minister must serve full four-year term, claims he rejects 'all the tricks and gimmicks' of recent years.

Balad:

Petition against Abu Shehadeh - political persecution

Balad attacks Otzma Yehudit’s attempt to bar Sami Abu Shehadeh from running, calling it a "campaign of incitement and political persecution."

Poll:

Netanyahu’s bloc takes lead

Likud loses another seat, falling to 18, while Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar remains in first place. Netanyahu’s coalition bloc rises to 54 seats, overtaking the Eisenkot bloc.

Bedouin council head: Eisenkot promised to bring Ra’am into gov't

Yashar! party denies claim following meeting with northern Bedouin leaders: 'These things were never said, not even by implication.'

'I have the qualities to lead'

Ben Gvir asked about the premiership

National Security Minister speaks about his political future, his leadership qualities, and what he believes he still lacks.

'An absolute lie'

Winter attacks Likud, party threatens libel lawsuit

Ofer Winter claimed that rivals tried to dismantle his party, threaten his staff, and hire private investigators. Likud demands a retraction and is threatening a libel suit.

Otzma Yehudit demands disqualification of Sami Abu Shehadeh

The Otzma Yehudit party petitions the Central Elections Committee to disqualify former MK Sami Abu Shehadeh from running in the upcoming Knesset elections.

Rom Braslavski

'I’m afraid a Palestinian government will be established here'

Captivity survivor Rom Braslavski spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and admitted that despite their disagreements, he is very apprehensive about giving his vote to the left.

Ayelet Shaked: “Netanyahu needs to go"

Former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked criticized Netanyahu: “He bears both responsibility and blame for October 7," and offered her prediction for the elections.

Zero cooling-off days:

ITIM petitions to disqualify Shas Knesset candidate

ITIM petitions to disqualify Shas candidate Amos Dror, alleging he failed to meet the required 100-day cooling-off period before the elections.

Outrage on the left over Religious Zionism party campaign video

A Religious Zionism campaign video shows judges and the Attorney General being forcibly dragged away, sparking harsh reactions.

Poll:

Nearly three-quarters of Jewish Israelis reject full Gaza pullout

JPPI survey finds 72% of Jewish Israelis reject leaving Gaza without a security perimeter, while support for occupying the entire Strip rises to 36%.

Netanyahu's secret promise to Ben Gvir and Gotliv

Report: Fearing a loss of Likud voters to Otzma Yehudit, the Prime Minister held clarification talks with National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and MK Tally Gotliv.

Ben Gvir demands: Disqualify the Democrats Party

The Otzma Yehudit party has petitioned the Central Elections Committee to disqualify the Democrats slate from running for the Knesset.

Eisenkot’s move that could enable a minority government

Yashar! party chairman is formulating a mechanism to prevent MKs from leaving his faction if he decides to establish a minority government relying on Arab parties’ votes.

Bereaved families demand Ra’am be disqualified

The Choosing Life Forum of bereaved families and terror victims has petitioned the Central Elections Committee, demanding that the Ra’am party be barred from running in the elections.

Poll:

Winter, Hendel-Zelekha parties both cross electoral threshold

Channel 12 poll gives Yashar 23 seats and Likud 20, as Ofer Winter and Hendel-Zelekha clear the threshold; Netanyahu bloc stands at 50 seats.

'Antisemitic party'

Democrats ask Elections Committee to bar Otzma Yehudit from race

Yair Golan’s Democrats ask Elections Committee to disqualify Otzma Yehudit, citing racism; Ben-Gvir’s party responds by calling Democrats ‘anti-Israel.’

Sami Abu Shehadeh points to the ‘great danger'

Balad Chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh warns of attempts by Zionist parties to recruit Arab voters, calling this a 'very serious danger' and states that his party will launch an 'organized campaign' to prevent votes from leaking to other parties.