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.'

Likud MK: World Must Apologize for Supporting PA Unity

Those who praised unity between Hamas and Fatah now see what their support has wrought, said MK Ofir Akunis.

'Moral Duty' for World to Retract Support for Unity Pact

Hamas's involvement in the kidnapping of three yeshiva students precedent for a withdrawal of international support, Akunis says.

Deputy Minister Slams IDF Radio for Promoting Palestinian 'Lies'

Deputy Minister lashes out at the great Palestinian Arab myth - that they preceded a Jewish presence in the Land of Israel.

Minister Slams Indyk's 'Lies'

Deputy Minister laments US envoy Martin Indyk's comments as the result of too much influence from PA propaganda.

'Abbas Can Have Peace with Israel or Hamas - Not Both'

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu sharply criticizes PA, Abbas Wednesday for demanding more construction freezes.

'Abbas Is Arafat In Disguise'

Deputy Minister Ofer Akunis slams building freeze demands for talk extension, says under Abbas 'tone has changed, essence has not.'

MK Akunis Tells US 'You're Pressuring Wrong Side'

Deputy Minister Akunis criticizes Obama's intentions to pressure Netanyahu during visit into concessions, says PA needs pressing.

Akunis: Peace is Foreign to the Palestinians

Deputy Minister warns against construction freeze, says that PA's rejection of Kerry's framework proves it doesn't want peace.

Akunis: '67 Borders' Like Jumping Off a Skyscraper

An Israeli withdrawal to the pre-1967 borders is equivalent to suicide, says Likud Deputy Minister Ofir Akunis.

Akunis, Netanyahu Present Tablets to 94 Children

'Computer for Every Child' government program gives underprivileged children new educational opportunities.

'Likud MKs Critical of Netanyahu Can Leave Govt.'

Source in Netanyahu's office says Likud MKs opposing proposal to put PA over Jews can quit, adds Bennett can leave too.

Akunis: A Palestinian State would Endanger Israeli Cities

"I support maximum self-rule for the Palestinians but not a Palestinian state," says Deputy Minister Ofir Akunis.

Likud Deputy Minister: Kerry is 'Extreme' in Pressuring Israel

MK Ofir Akunis says 'large' Israeli concessions to US demands on peace deal will endanger coalition.

Akunis: Coalition in Danger from Kerry Deal

Deputy Minister warns coalition govt. faces significant changes due to US pressure on Jordan Valley withdrawal.

Report: Defense Ministry Rejects US Plan for Jordan Valley

Maariv reports that Defense Ministry rejects US plans for Jordan Valley, based on security needs.

MK Akunis: Jordan Valley is our 'Iron Wall'

Deputy Minister tours Jordan Valley, says Israel must not succumb to US pressure to withdraw.