Naftali Bennett

Are new Knesset proposals pushing Israel toward Hungary-style governance? - opinion

Concerns mount that Israel’s new legislation could reshape democracy in a Hungary-like direction.

|ByPAUL GROSS
PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu speaks alongside former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban in Budapest last year. Orban transformed Hungary into a quasi-autocracy, while Netanyahu has not achieved the same in Israel, the writer says.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at a Jerusalem Day event, May 14, 2026; illustrative.

Over half of Israelis want PM Netanyahu to retire from politics, not run in Knesset election - poll

Poll: 55% of Israelis want Netanyahu to step down, as the coalition drops to 49 seats and the opposition strengthens to a majority.

|ByMOSHE COHEN
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Defense Minister Israel Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir attend a discussion at the plenum in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem, July 23, 2025.

Coalition submits bill to dissolve Knesset, vote expected next week

The remarks came on Tuesday, as Bennett outlined his plans for the country if elected, alongside opposition leader Yair Lapid, at the first major campaign event of their newly merged Together party.

|ByKESHET NEEV
OPPOSITION LEADER Yair Lapid and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett attend an election event for the joint list “Together” ahead of the upcoming elections, in Tel Aviv, central Israel, May 12, 2026.

Bennett calls to dissolve Knesset, form constitution at kick-off party event with Lapid

The remarks came on Tuesday, as Bennett outlined his plans for the country if elected, alongside opposition leader Yair Lapid, at the first major campaign event of their newly merged Together party.

|ByKESHET NEEV

Bennett draws coalition line: No government with those who do not serve - interview

“The next government will be based on a ‘covenant of those who serve,’" said Bennett. "Anyone who can be with me in a tank in Gaza can be with me in the government.”

MARCH 31, 2026ByKESHET NEEV
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett attends a Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem, on February 17, 2026.

Netanyahu, Bismuth to advance controversial haredi draft bill amid IDF manpower shortage

At the start of Operation Roaring Lion, Netanyahu announced that the draft bill would be “set aside” for the sake of national unity and would not be advanced during wartime.

MARCH 31, 2026ByKESHET NEEV
Ultra orthodox Jewish reserve soldiers of the IDF's Hasmonean Brigade operate in the Gaza Strip on June 26, 2025.

Who does Israel belong to? Why Bennett’s model matters now - opinion

From public policy to bomb shelters, Israel faces a test of unity, fairness, and responsibility that will shape its future as a nation.

MARCH 30, 2026BySHMUEL LEGESSE
FORMER PRIME MINISTER Naftali Bennett addresses the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem on Tuesday.

Israel's fractured opposition hands Netanyahu a full term - analysis

With the budget set to pass, Netanyahu’s government is poised to complete its term, as opposition infighting continues to undermine efforts to unseat him.

MARCH 29, 2026ByHERB KEINON
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visit at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, February 26, 2026.

Eisenkot rejects Bennett’s offer to unite parties, says he won’t serve as ‘number two’

“I believe in myself, I know the kind of leadership I bring, and I see myself as a very strong candidate,” Former IDF chief of staff and leader of the Yashar! Party Gadi Eisenkot told N12.

MARCH 29, 2026ByKESHET NEEV
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett seen with Gadi Eisenkot during a march in support of the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews into the IDF, from the entrance of Jerusalem to the Knesset, January 15, 2026

One month of war uncertainty leaves Israel’s political map unchanged - poll

The poll further found that 51% of Israelis do not trust US President Donald Trump to end the war with Iran in a way that would preserve Israel’s interests.

MARCH 27, 2026ByMOSHE COHEN
A man casts his vote in the Israeli general elections, at a polling station in Jerusalem, on November 1, 2022.

Western Wall debate must not overshadow prayer, unity during times of war - opinion

Prayer at the Kotel should remain sacred, guiding Jews through crises rather than fueling division.

MARCH 24, 2026ByYAAKOV MENKEN, JONATHAN GUTTENTAG
A general view of Jerusalem's Old City shows the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in the foreground and the Dome of the Rock, located on the compound known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount, in the background June 24, 2019

Iran regime change likely to take a year, Mossad chief Barnea predicted on eve of war

There were multiple scenarios and time periods, such as several months, but one year was the most likely estimate.

MARCH 24, 2026ByYONAH JEREMY BOB
Head of Mossad David Barnea attends a ceremony held at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem, as Israel marks the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day. April 23, 2025.

Israel needs leadership that can unify the nation without weakening its democracy - opinion

Amid deep divisions and post-October 7 trauma, Israel faces a leadership test: unity, trust, and governance must come before politics.

MARCH 22, 2026BySHMUEL LEGESSE
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett seen in an illustrative

'Stealing like thieves': Opposition condemns gov't NIS 5b allocation to haredim, settlements

The government faces backlash over its decision to allocate NIS 5 billion to haredi institutions and settlements during Israel’s ongoing conflict.

MARCH 10, 2026ByKESHET NEEV
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett in Tel Aviv. August 1, 2022.