Elections 2015

Newfound friends

Jewish Home, Likud Will Attack Kahlon, Liberman – Not Each Other

MK Ayelet Shaked says Jewish Home and Likud are the real right wing, while Moshe Kahlon and Yisrael Beytenu are just pretenders.

Elections: Why the Left Vilifies Netanyahu

Knesset Expected to Dissolve Itself Today

Barring any last minute surprises, the Knesset will vote on the second and third readings of the bill to dissolve itself.

Official: Israeli Military Actions Unrelated to Politics

Without confirming airstrikes in Syria, Israeli official rejects opposition's claims that alleged airstrikes were politically motivated.

Security Takes Center Stage at Saban Forum

PM defends Israel's right to self-defense against PA, Iran; Kerry says Israel's security is 'top priority,' but pushes two-state solution.

Yesh Atid MK: IDF Attack on Syria a Political Ploy

MK Yifat Kariv claims reported attack on Syrian military target a ruse by Netanyahu to keep position as Prime Minister.

Report: Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai Considering Election Campaign

Could Ron Huldai become a Labor MK? Huldai's office evades questions on whether the longtime mayor will remain in his post.

Yisrael Beytenu: Elections Would Have Been Inevitable

Yisrael Beytenu denies opposition to coalition including hareidi parties, claims even an alternative government would have collapsed.

'Left Bloc? Three Failed Politicians Want to Unite!'

Deputy Minister Hotoveli mocks reports of center and left parties uniting for March elections. 'No direction, no leadership in Left.'

Early On, Right-Wing Bloc in the Lead

Latest surveys show right-wing and hareidi parties gaining a clear majority - but nothing's certain until the votes are in.

Arutz Sheva Exclusive

Report: Jewish Home Strife on the Brink of Resolution

Sources say deal close between Jewish Home, Tekuma imminent - preventing a crisis within the national-religious bloc.

How Would Likud Perform Without Netanyahu?

Survey examines how Likud would do if led by prime minister's nationalist rivals Danon, Feiglin.

Hareidi Women Campaign for Right to Run for Office

Social media campaign for hareidi parties to allow female candidates picks up steam - but can it overcome a dominant social stigma?

Hareidim Prefer Sa'ar to Netanyahu as Likud Leader

Hareidi official tells Arutz Sheva reasons why Gideon Sa'ar is preferable to Netanyahu as Likud Chairman - 'good news for hareidim.'

Rivlin Fears Public Won't Show Up to Vote in March

At a conference, Rivlin expressed concern that the public won't vote in March due to their disappointment with current government.

Bennett Asks Indyk: How Many Need to Die Before You Wake Up?

At Saban Forum, Bennett says 'I believe that last summer 10% of Israeli moved from left to center, and from center to right.'

Report: Bibi Tried to Talk Liberman into Putting Off Elections

Yediot Aharonot says Netanyahu visited Liberman, who is sitting shiva for his mother, and tried to coax him on the matter.

Deri: We're Not Obligated to Anyone, Now or After Elections

Shas chairman makes clear his party isn't obligated to support PM Netanyahu after the elections.

Bennett: Netanyahu and I Agreed Not to Attack Each Other

Jewish Home chairman reveals he agreed with Likud that the two parties won't attack each other during the election campaign.

Livni: I'm Ready to be Prime Minister

Former Justice Minister says she believes a joint list with Labor will be formed in order to unseat Netanyahu.

Netanyahu Reportedly Blocking Sa'ar Challenge on Leadership

Likud sources say Netanyahu trying to move up primaries, in a move that would press Sa'ar to make a snap decision on contending.

Poll Shows 62% Don't Want Hareidi Coalition

Amid reports of overtures to hareidim by Likud, Yesh Atid and even Labor, poll indicates voters don't want hareidi parties in government.

Yesh Atid Minister: 'Lapid for Prime Minister to Replace Bibi'

Peri lays out plan for leftist bloc to oust Netanyahu in elections, says he hopes it will be led by Lapid but 'more import to replace PM.'

Kahlon Not Ruling Out Giving Up Territory to Palestinians

Former Likud minister says he would not rule out giving up territory for peace “if that is the situation”.

Report: Livni and Herzog 'Very Close' to Agreeing on Joint List

Hatnua chairwoman and Labor chairman reportedly have agreed on several principles ahead of an agreement to run together.

MK Lipman Blasts Netanyahu, Says Yesh Atid Determined to Win

PM has accomplished nothing, Lipman accuses in special interview - and argues he must be replaced.

Jewish Home, Likud Sign Surplus Vote Agreement

Agreement to swing votes between parties in the event a surplus would help either one, as blocs begin to form ahead of elections.

Jewish Home crisis

Ariel Admits to an Ideological Rift with Bennett

Ariel says unity efforts continue, but maintains that primaries are corrupt and divide continues - amid talk of Yishai partnership.

Expert: US Sanctions Report a Political Ploy

Article claiming US looking to take 'active steps' against Israel meant to sway the elections, Strategic Affairs expert tells Arutz Sheva.

Herzog-Livni-Mofaz Joint List in the Works to be Largest Party

Report reveals negotiations are being held to form joint leftist bloc, with Labor sources saying it has a '60% chance' of success.

Shas MK: Lapid Sent 'Messengers' for His Putsch

MK Nissim Ze'ev confirms that Yesh Atid chair "used his seats used to try to bring down the government".

Kahlon's Unnamed Party Generates Much Speculation

Media speculates that former Mossad chief and former MK Shama-Hacohen will run with Moshe Kahlon.

Bennett and Ariel Trying to Maintain Jewish Home Unity

Jewish Home Chairman and Tekuma Chairman hold positive meeting amid reports that Ariel may form a new party with Shas's Yishai.

Poll: Herzog and Livni Joint List Would Be Largest Party

If Labor and Hatnua unified they would outstrip Likud - but just by one seat. Lapid falls further, Yisrael Beytenu and Jewish Home run even.

Who is lying?

Netanyahu Denies Trying to Split Yesh Atid

Reports are no more than 'pathetic political spin that indicates Lapid's panic,' says Prime Minister's Bureau.

Last Ditch Effort to Avoid Elections by 'Enlisting' Hareidim

The parties remaining in the coalition can garner a 61-seat majority if the hareidi factions join them, which can grow to 63 with Kadima.

Satmar Officials Offer to Pay Israelis Not to Vote

Anti-Zionist Hassidic sect has offered $100 to any Israeli who does not vote in upcoming March elections.

Could an Arab Muslim Woman Become the Newest Jewish Home MK?

It may be called the 'Jewish Home' party, but a distinctly non-Jewish Israeli - Anat Haskia - hopes to join its Knesset faction.

Experts: Shekel Weakness Will Continue Through Elections

The once-mighty shekel is likely to go north of 4 to the dollar by the week's end, and keep falling, as elections fuel economic downturn.

Livni: We Are a Strong Country With a Weak Prime Minister

Livni criticizes Netanyahu during interview: 'Netanyahu is frightened; his ability to function [as leader] is so miniscule.'

Hotovely Challenges Kahlon to Back Right-Wing Bloc

Deputy Minister Hotovely calls on Kahlon to make clear his political stance and who he will support in campaign for prime minister.

Scare tactics?

Report: US to Impose Sanctions Against Israel over Construction

Report that US may go beyond condemnation of Israel for building in Jerusalem may be an attempt to influence elections, analysts say.

Report: Lapid, Liberman and Kahlon May Cooperate

Yair Lapid, Avigdor Liberman and Moshe Kahlon, who wish to see Netanyahu out as PM, may cooperate in the elections, says Channel 10.

Will Ariel and Yishai Form a New Party?

Arutz Sheva has learned that Housing Minister Uri Ariel and MK Eli Yishai discussed the possibility of establishing a joint party.

Levin Says 'Writing was On the Wall' for Elections

Knesset dissolution was a long time in coming, MK Yariv Levin tells Arutz Sheva, noting that the real issue is a matter of stability.

'Liberman Needs to Decide - Is He Right- or Left-Wing?'

Likud Dept. Minister Tzipi Hotovely says Israeli voters need to focus on the policies, not personalities, of parties; takes a dig at Lapid.

Lapid Attacks Bibi: You Are Detached, You Live in an Aquarium

Former Finance Minister hits back after 'personal' attack by prime minister; 'Everyone sees your corruption.'

Report: Death Threats Made Against MK Eli Yishai

Anonymous phone calls to the MK threatened him with 'stabbing' if he switched parties. Are internal Shas tensions to blame?

The Other Reason Netanyahu Fired Livni and Lapid

Likud sources claim PM fired rebellious ministers to ensure they couldn't use their positions to their advantage during elections.

When Bibi Became the Bomb

Knesset farce as Labor MK resorts to familiar 'visual aid' to illustrate his anger at the outgoing government.

Crisis Averted? Jewish Home Unity Talks 'Positive'

Talks between Bennett, Ariel over finalizing merger between their two factions went well, as Ben-Dahan considers bolting National Union.

Elections to Postpone Police Chief Replacement?

Coalition dissolution leads to legal issue for the police force. A-G: We can't have new security minister, police heads at the same time.

Tzipi Hotovely Urges Kahlon to Join 'United Right-Wing Bloc'

Deputy Minister calls on former Likud minister to bring his party into an alliance, along with the Jewish Home party.

Moshe Kahlon's New Party to Focus on Cost of Living, Housing

'The concept of 'monopoly' needs to disappear,' former Likud minister states, in remarks over plans for his new political party.

Calls for a split

Ahead of Elections Jewish Home MKs Trade Barbs

'Arrogant' dig at Tekuma faction gets sharp rebuttal; Jewish Home rep calls to disband National Union; rabbi suggests party split.

Arutz Sheva exclusive

Likud Hopes to Form Large Right-Wing Union

Deputy Minister Akunis says his party and Jewish Home learned lessons of infighting in the last elections, slams Lapid-Livni 'putsch.'

Knesset dissolving itself

Knesset Votes 84:0 to Dissolve Itself; Election Date: March 17

Knesset convenes to dissolve itself after party heads set date for snap elections in 105 days, after Netanyahu disbands the government.

'Now The Crazies Can Run Amok,' Mourns Livni

Newly dismissed justice minister says by sacking her, Netanyahu has gotten rid of the 'gatekeeper of democracy' in Israel.

Analysis

Make No Mistake: Bennett Called This Election

Analysis: only one politician has an interest in these elections, and his fingerprints are all over them. Enter the next defense minister.

Do Elections Spell the Release of Illegal Infiltrators?

Immigration NGO reveals the Infiltrator Law 'is not enough,' even passing it and preventing mass releases may be impossible for Knesset.