Ofir Akunis

Minister walks out in protest of haredi school curricula vote

Information Minister Ofir Akunis refuses to take part in vote to cancel core studies requirement in haredi schools.

Science Minister demands clearer apology from IDF dept. chief

Israeli Minister of Science Ofer Akunis says Deputy Chief of Staff Yair Golan must issue a clearer apology for Holocaust remarks.

Likud Minister vows to return evicted Jews to Hevron homes

Ofir Akunis visits Hevron houses where 200 Jews were evicted in January coalition crisis, notes 'the PA proved the purchase was legal.'

'The Jordan Valley will always be part of Israel'

Ofir Akunis tours Jordan Valley, vows to keep Judea-Samaria and the Golan firmly Israel's.

Likud Minister slams UNESCO's 'boorishness'

Akunis writes head of UN body that declared Temple Mount to be Muslim only, decries their 'resounding lack of historical knowledge.'

Tempers flare as Bennett faces off against Netanyahu, Ya'alon

Bennett slams comments by PM, defense minister regarding soldier who killed terrorist in Hevron. Netanyahu: Don't lecture me.

Minister Akunis: Better a dead terrorist than a dead soldier

Likud Minister decries the social network 'courtroom' that is actively convicting the soldier who shot a wounded terrorist.

'Leaders don't burst into tears before the cameras'

Minister Akunis criticizes EU's Mogherini for breaking down in press conference after Brussels attack, contrasting with other women leaders.

'Europe attacked Israel, ignored Islamic terror'

Science Minister Akunis responds to lethal Brussels assault, says many in Europe 'mocked those who warned' about Islamic terror.

Science Minister: Expel terrorists’ families without delay

Ofir Akunis declares more aggressive measures needed to counter cruel, barbaric terror onslaught, Livni calls for restraint.

Exclusive coverage

Israel presents 'the truth' to the world

New exhibit at Ben-Gurion Airport displays 60 breakthroughs Israel has given the world, to be viewed by 8 million passengers.

MK Hazan threatens to topple the government unless gets his way

Oren Hazan warns that he will quit coalition unless his punishment is lifted. This would leave government without a majority in the Knesset.

'No nation gives up on its homeland'

In Samaria tour of illegal Arab construction adjacent to Jewish towns, Minister Akunis vows 'a Palestinian state won't be established here.'

An Israeli astronaut coming to space in 2020?

Israel's Science Minister meets in Washington with NASA chief to discuss possibility of Israeli astronaut joining future NASA mission.

Columbia space shuttle remains arrive in Israel

On loan from NASA, remains of space shuttle Columbia arrive on display at Ilan Ramon conference for Israel Space week.

Results of 'Likudiada' mock primaries

As part of Likud event in Eilat, mock primaries find Gila Gamliel most popular party member.

Akunis: Incitement spurred 'animals' behind stabbing attack

Israel's President and Science Minister condemn stabbing in Beit Horon, blame ongoing Palestinian incitement for 4-month long terror wave.

'Terrorists were influenced by Wallstrom's remarks'

Akunis says Otniel and Tekoa stabbers could very well have been moved by Swedish FM's anti-Israel comments to conduct attacks.

Israel fumes over Swedish FM's 'execution' accusation

Ministers slam Swedish Foreign Minister's claim that Israeli performs extrajudicial executions of Arab terrorists.

Austrian minister cancels visit over '67 lines'

Austrian Vice Chancellor refuses to visit government office in Jerusalem; Ofir Akunis: 'Austria will not divide Jerusalem.'

Shomron Council head: Stop plans to give land to Palestinians

Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan is joined by Likud ministers in demanding to stop plans to transfer land in Area C to the PA.

Interview

Minister pushes plan to close off Hevron

Science Minister Ofir Akunis says preventing Palestinians from leaving Hevron could be a significant step in fighting terror.

Akunis to double R&D budget for Judea and Samaria

Science Minister Ofir Akunis announces doubling of research and development project budgets in Judea, Samaria, and the Golan.

Minister to EU envoy: You forgot the Holocaust

Akunis cancels on event with EU ambassador over 'settlement labeling' move, slams the 'dark stain on Europe's moral fabric' in fiery letter.

NASA, Israel Space Agency Sign Cooperation Deal

One small step for science: US-Israeli agreement to deepen cooperation over space exploration.

Will Israel Send a Man to the Moon?

Israeli nonprofit SpaceIL becomes the first organization to advance in a unique Google contest promoting space travel.

Likud Minister Demands: Adopt Levy Report Now

Akunis visits protest tent in front of PM's Residence, demands end to construction freeze because building is a 'right, not a favor.'

'Europe's 1930s Jew Hatred Raised its Ugly Head Again'

Minister Akunis responds to EU official announcing 'settlement' labeling soon as next week, warns 'the Europeans haven't learned a thing.'

'Leftist Journalists Want To Preserve Monopoly'

Minister Akunis explains why journalists opposed attempt to limit their ability to broadcast opinions.

Angry Akunis Claims PM Was Aware of 'No Media Bias' Law

After leaving post in Communications Ministry over journalistic bias clause, Ofir Akunis alleges PM was aware of the law beforehand.

Litzman Makes History: First Haredi-Ashkenazi Minister Since '52

Yaakov Litzman is sworn in as health minister, the first haredi Ashkenazi minister to serve in the Israeli government since 1952.

Likud Minister to Support Death Sentence for Terrorists

Minister Ofir Akunis says he will vote in favor of MK Sharon Gal's bill enacting a death penalty for terrorists.

Netanyahu Formulating Plan to Keep Begin in Government

Promising to include Begin in cabinet after resignation, PM weighs possibility of giving Akunis UN ambassador to bring Begin back.

Interview

Akunis: Jewish Home is Likud's 'Sister Party'

Outgoing Deputy Minister and MK hails 'wonderful' elections results, says Likud has a natural partner in the Religious Zionist sector.

Akunis: Dagan Has Personal Vendetta Against Netanyahu

Deputy Minister notes Dagan may not have penned his own speech, slams him for 'ingratitude' after Netanyahu helped save his life in 2012.

Akunis: 'Labor Will Not Be Invited to the Next Government'

Deputy Minister Ofir Akunis says Labor is too far-left to be considered for a potential coalition; guarantees Jewish Home will be included.

Bennett: Galant's Statement 'a New Low'

Kulanu candidate hinted that the targeting of Jihad Mughniyeh was timed for the election campaign.

New Program to Get Israelis on Their Bikes

The government is working to encourage commuters to take public transportation or use bicycles in congested cities in central Israel.

'Labor Founders Are Rolling in Their Graves'

Jewish Home and Likud react to Labor primary results, calling the 'far-left' candidates 'Marmara Flotilla supports and NIF members.'

'Israel Must Take Off the Kid Gloves With the PA'

Likud Deputy Minister Akunis says world nations starting to realize Israel has no peace partner - problem is Livni still doesn't get it.

Govt. Allocates NIS 17 Million for Arava Oil Cleanup

The government authorized an expenditure of NIS 17 million ($4 million) for the reclamation of damaged areas of the Arava.

Nationalist MKs Slam High Court's Decision on Amona

Nationalist MKs criticize High Court's decision that the new community of Amona be demolished within two years.

Dep. Min. Akunis: We 'Have Control' Over Oil Spill Mess

Workers have turned the tide in battle against the oil spill in the Arava last week, pollution won't reach Eilat, Environment Ministry says.

Liberman Hits Back at 'Hysterical' Jewish Home

Yisrael Beytenu chairman blasts Jewish Home, Likud for 'mislabeling' him as left-wing; is aiming for 15 seats.

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.'

MKs Right and Left Respond to Early Elections

Knesset Members from across the political spectrum respond to failed meeting between Netanyahu and Lapid.

Deputy Minister Says Elections Are 'Inevitable'

Deputy Minister Ofir Akunis criticizes Finance Minister Yair Lapid for saying the government is "stuck", says Lapid is welcome to resign.

Bill to Criminalize Employing Infiltrators Given Second Chance

Proposal to give hefty fines, prison time for employers who hire illegal aliens given second chance, put on fast track.

MKs Slam Media 'Hypocrisy' over Jerusalem Construction

Deputy Minister admits Israel losing the media war, but insists: 'it is our duty to build, just like in Washington, Paris, London.'

MKs Support Gush Etzion Building Projects at Outpost Event

Ofir Akunis, Eli Yishai, regional leaders flock to support construction in Judea- Samaria; say Israel will prevail over building freeze.

Nationalist MKs Praise Netanyahu's UN Speech

While leftist MKs rejected the Prime Minister's speech, nationalist MKs praised Netanyahu for exposing the PA's lies.

'Abbas Wants a State Instead of Israel'

Deputy Minister Akunis says Netanyahu will deliver 'the speech of truth' after Abbas's 'speech of lies.'

Akunis: 'Two-State Solution' will Bring Terror Tunnels to Center

Deputy Minister warns that a “two-state solution” will endanger the security of Israelis and bring rockets to the heart of the country.

Deputy Minister: We'll Continue to Build in Our Land

Deputy Minister Ofir Akunis criticizes EU and U.S. for condemning Israel's designation of areas in Gush Etzion as state land.

Calls to Fire Minister as Fallout Over Gaza Operation Continues

Senior Likud MK Ofer Akunis calls on PM Netanyahu to fire Tourism Minister Landau for saying Israel 'lost' Gaza Operation.

Deputy Minister Dismisses Abbas's 'Deadline' Plan

"No one will threaten us," says Deputy Minister Ofir Akunis after PA reveals plan to force Israel to withdraw from Judea and Samaria.

MKs Call Foiled Hamas Coup a 'Warning Sign' for Unity Government

Nationalist MKs attack leftists over attempted Hamas coup, after remarks early in the unity pact claimed PA would keep Hamas in line.

Akunis: How Can Schabas be Taken Seriously?

Likud MK dismisses UN's probe on Gaza, points out the anti-Israel stance of the head of the panel, William Schabas.

Akunis: Cease-fire Under Our Terms, Not Hamas'

MK Ofir Akunis said that Israel had no plans to stop its attacks against Gaza terrorists, and would continue to fight.

Minister Says Teens' Murder 'Direct Result' of PA Unity Gov't

Ofir Akunis in New York says abduction and murders caused by PA unity, hints Abbas's words 'can't change that.'