Israel's top stories
Otzma Yehudit submits bill to change definition of 'who is a Jew'
The Otzma Yehudit faction submitted a bill that would add the words "converted in accordance with Halacha" to the section defining 'who is a Jew' in the Law of Return. The aim is to enshrine in law that only such conversions will be recognized, instead of the High Court ruling that also recognized Reform and Conservative conversions.
The appointment of MK Liran Avishar Ben Horin as acting chair of the Finance Committee has been approved, despite demands for a legal review over claims of a conflict of interest. Her husband, Itai Ben Horin, holds a stake in a consulting firm that represents companies including Mizrahi Tefahot Bank and Strauss Group.
Yahadut HaTorah conveyed to Gadi Eisenkot that outside support for his government is possible even without an advance conscription law, but it requires budgets and laws for the Haredi public. Liberman set conditions for joining, and the details between the sides are not yet settled.
Police opinion: no evidence found of foreign influence in elections; Shin Bet claims additional material exists
Police sent the attorney general an opinion stating that the material received from the Shin Bet indicates at most suspicion of minor offenses in party financing, not election bribery or a security offense. The Shin Bet says it has not yet transferred all material and holds further information, and the investigation continues.
Liberman Appointed Chair of Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee
Liberman was appointed chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee as part of the agreements within the change bloc, in a vote in which Joint List and Ra'am Knesset members supported. His appointment was approved after a stormy debate in which the Knesset committee compositions were also approved.
Upset in Mississippi: Democrat Scott Colom Defeats Republican Senator
Democratic candidate Scott Colom unseated incumbent Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith in the U.S. Senate race in Mississippi, after an eight-day count. His victory increases the Democratic majority in the Senate to 55 seats, and he will be the first Black senator to represent the state since 1875.
Moshe Dadash: "Even after Netanyahu dies, I will vote for Bibi in elections"
Moshe Dadash, former chairman of Beitar Jerusalem, appeared on a program hosted by Eli Ohana and Barak Sari on 103fm. During the interview he expressed full support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and said he would vote for him even after his death, if elections are held. Ohana described Dadash as a father figure and mentor to him.
Zvika Mor sworn into the 26th Knesset, calls for a unity government
MK Zvika Mor (Religious Zionism) was sworn into the 26th Knesset and called for the formation of a unity government. According to him, the election results are clear and "whoever won here is the people of Israel."
Ben-Gvir Attacks Eisenkot and Liberman Over Security
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir attacked MK Gadi Eisenkot after he appealed to the prime minister over the possibility of military action during the transitional government. Ben-Gvir also attacked Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman, who demanded limiting the government's security decision-making.
The Knesset plenum approved, by 63 supporters to 50 opponents, the establishment of the Arrangements Committee headed by MK Roi Folkman, which will include 22 Knesset members. The Arrangements Committee recommended that MK Avigdor Liberman head the interim Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and MK Liran Avisar Ben Horin head the interim Finance Committee.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu again called for a national unity government and said it was possible. Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas said Netanyahu's speech in the Knesset harmed his security and that of his family, and that an associate of Netanyahu recently approached him to clarify his positions.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana declared allegiance at the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset, in the presence of President Isaac Herzog, who handed him the management of the session. Next Tuesday, November 17, at 16:00, the plenum will hold a vote to elect a new speaker, following a request by 67 Knesset members.
Following Push for Boycotts of Israel, Diaspora Affairs Ministry Acts to Block Entry of British Group's Activists
The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism has recommended that the Population and Immigration Authority prevent activists of the British organization Amos Trust from entering Israel. According to the ministry, the organization promotes boycotts and an arms embargo against Israel and supports the BDS movement.
Israel's Ambassador to the Netherlands Summoned for Inquiry After Remarks Against Ministers
Israel's ambassador to the Netherlands, Tzvi Avner Pni, has been summoned to Israel for an inquiry after an interview with Dutch media in which he attacked government ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich and described their statements as shocking. The ambassador made clear that he does not intend to defend them.
Yair Netanyahu Opens a New Chapter: The Book, the Price and the Billionaire Behind It
Yair Netanyahu, son of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is publishing a first book that is available for pre-order and is due out in March 2027. The book will describe Israel as a country controlled by "deep state" mechanisms, and will argue that the events of October 7 exposed a "red-green alliance" between Islamists and the radical left.
Israel's Sharp Response to France's Ban on Samaria Council Head's Entry
The Foreign Ministry responded sharply to France's decision to ban the entry of the head of the Samaria Regional Council, Yossi Dagan, into its territory. Israel will demand explanations from the French government and will consider its steps accordingly.
Netanyahu Family Demands Renovation of Residences
Sara Netanyahu and her family are demanding that security and renovation work at their private residences continue even if Benjamin Netanyahu is no longer prime minister, according to the details revealed. If the demand is accepted, the cost to the state is estimated at tens of millions of shekels, and further details are not yet clear.
Abbas denies report on recognizing Hamas as a terror organization; Ra'am wants to join government
Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas denied the report that he expressed willingness to recognize Hamas as a terror organization in exchange for joining the government. Abbas stated that his party seeks to join the coalition and the next government.
Likud Assesses Netanyahu Will Appoint Amir Ohana as Minister After Dismissal
Likud officials assess that Prime Minister Netanyahu will appoint Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana as a minister after his expected replacement next week. Ohana may receive one of the portfolios left by the Haredi ministers, or be appointed minister for strategic affairs, and he may also be considered for the security cabinet.
Yashar chairman Gadi Eisenkot and Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Liberman met and expressed confidence in their ability to form a stable government for four years, but the issue of the Knesset speakership has not yet been decided. MK Yaakov Asher also met with Liberman in his office, and according to a statement from his office, the meeting was spontaneous.
Gantz's Bloc Weighs Dramatic Proposal for Haredim: What Is on the Table
Haredi parties are demanding a temporary order that would freeze the military draft obligation and cancel sanctions, as a condition for supporting a government led by Eisenkot. The Blue and White-led bloc is examining a framework that would allow support from outside until a draft law is approved, with entry into the coalition only afterward.
Netanyahu: US military aid to Israel to be phased out gradually
Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel will work toward a gradual end to US military aid, in contrast to President Trump's announcement that it will end in late 2026. The Prime Minister's Office stressed that Israel's economy is strong enough to end the aid gradually.
From an investigative commission to dissolving the Knesset: the bills already submitted
At the opening of the 26th Knesset session, bills were submitted to establish a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre and to limit the term of the prime minister to eight years. In addition, proposals were submitted to repeal the judicial reform laws.
Security information and propaganda: Ramat Gan mayor again embroiled in WhatsApp row
Central Elections Committee chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg ordered Ramat Gan mayor Carmel Shama HaCohen to close the WhatsApp groups he opened for emergency updates during the war with Iran, and to refrain from opening new groups. Shama HaCohen was ordered to pay 18,000 shekels in court costs to city council member Yaad Ilani, who filed the appeal.
Two bills to repeal the Broadcasting Law submitted to the Knesset
Two private bills, each consisting of a single section, that would cancel the Broadcasting Law were submitted to the Knesset just after it was sworn in. One was submitted by MKs from six parties of the Change Bloc and the other by the Democrats faction, and both claim that the legislative process contained material flaws. The law passed in the Knesset in July, but has meanwhile been frozen by the High Court of Justice until a hearing before an expanded panel.
Jim Jordan Elected House Republican Leader
Jim Jordan was elected leader of the Republican conference in the United States House of Representatives. The House Republican conference is the smallest since 2009.
Likud attacks opposition leaders over cooperation with Arab Knesset members
The Likud party attacked the parties of Bennett, Eisenkot and Liberman after they voted in the Knesset plenum together with Arab Knesset members on the composition of the organizing committee. Likud called on the three parties to join a unity government and end their cooperation with supporters of terrorism.
Netanyahu and Deri met this morning amid haredi parties' contacts with the Change Bloc
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Shas chairman Aryeh Deri met this morning. The meeting takes place against the backdrop of contacts between haredi parties and the Change Bloc to form a government.
Netanyahu: The People Know How to Unite in Moments of Trial
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the people know how to unite in moments of trial, and that Israel is facing such moments of trial. According to him, these moments demand unity, and he repeated his call for a unity government.
The 120 members of the 26th Knesset declared their allegiance at a ceremony in the presence of President Isaac Herzog. The president called on Knesset members to do everything to avoid a repeat election, and urged them to extend a hand toward compromise and resolve the draft crisis.
