JERUSALEM (AP) — As the new Israeli government prepares to take office, the West Bank settler movement appears poised to wield influence perhaps like never before. After squeezing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in coalition negotiations, the pro-settler Jewish Home party has gained control over several powerful government ministries — putting it in position to push forward with an agenda that … Read More
JERUSALEM (AP) — The formation of Benjamin Netanyahu’s new coalition government has cleared the way for Israel’s ultra-Orthodox parties to return to power after two years in the opposition. This religious resurgence could have deep implications as the ultra-Orthodox seek to reinstate a system of subsidies and preferential treatment that have long angered Israel’s secular majority, potentially setting the stage … Read More
JERUSALEM (AP) — With a resounding election victory last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seemed to have an easy path toward quickly establishing a coalition government with his traditional nationalist, religious and ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies. But after weeks of negotiations with potential partners, Netanyahu is finding the task harder than expected and is flirting with the idea of reaching … Read More
ROSH HA’AYIN, Israel (AP) — Israel’s visceral election campaign has exposed a rift that many here thought had long subsided — the deep-seated schism between Jews of European and Middle Eastern descent. Mizrahi, or Middle Eastern, Jews heavily backed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party, while Ashkenazi, or European, Jews mostly identified with the opposition Zionist Union. That dynamic has … Read More
TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling Likud Party scored a resounding victory in the country’s election, final results showed Wednesday, a stunning turnaround after a tight race that had put his lengthy rule in jeopardy. With nearly all votes counted, Likud appeared to have earned 30 of parliament’s 120 seats and was in a position to … Read More
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The new kingmaker of Israeli politics grew up in a hardscrabble town in northern Israel, one of seven children of Libyan Jewish immigrants, and worked stints as a fisherman and fruit vendor before becoming a working class hero in politics. With TV exit polls indicating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hard-line Likud and Isaac Herzog’s center-left … Read More
JERUSALEM (AP) — He was Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s envoy to the United States for more than four years. But when former Ambassador Michael Oren decided to enter politics, he joined an upstart rival and began questioning Netanyahu’s handling of relations with the Palestinians. Oren is now a key figure in Kulanu, a new centrist party that may play the … Read More
JERUSALEM (AP) — With Israeli elections looming and the region in turmoil, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu found himself once more enmeshed in a gossipy scandal on Tuesday: a new government report alleged possible financial malfeasance at his official residence, while his wife faced criticism for pettiness and possible security breaches after complaining about their kitchen in a video. The uproar … Read More
JERUSALEM (AP) — With the Israeli prime minister under fire internationally for his hard-line policies, a key partner of Benjamin Netanyahu is standing firmly behind him ahead of the March parliamentary elections — heralding what could be an even tougher stance toward the Palestinians if the two sit together in the next government. Naftali Bennett, leader of the Jewish Home … Read More
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — After bursting onto the political scene with a surprisingly strong showing in Israel’s last election, Yair Lapid said he was bound for the prime minister’s office. But today the telegenic ex-anchorman, actor and novelist hopes to avoid becoming another flash in the pan. His fledgling party, Yesh Atid or “There’s a Future,” came from nowhere … Read More
HERZLIYA, Israel (AP) — For many Israelis, the country’s election campaign has only truly begun with the recent return of “Eretz Nehederet,” a biting TV satire that is Israel’s equivalent of “Saturday Night Live.” The show provides a cultural touchstone for a famously combative political environment that, as the vote draws near, is becoming surprisingly laced with humor. With all … Read More
JERUSALEM (AP) — When Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolved his unwieldy coalition and called new elections last month, he appeared almost certain to be returned once more to office. But a new center-left alliance has surged past his Likud party in the polls, turning the March 17 contest into a toss-up. After joining forces with former Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni … Read More
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — One of the most unlikely stars of Israel’s election campaign is a musical artist whose popular video remixes of stump speeches have rocked YouTube, leading some of his most prominent targets to try to recruit him. Drawing his inspiration from the world of hip-hop, Noy Alooshe splices together catchphrases, awkward facial expressions and catchy dance … Read More
JERUSALEM (AP) — With elections on the horizon, the greatest obstacle standing between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a return to high office could be Netanyahu himself. A slew of challengers, including some of his traditional supporters, are taking aim at the longtime Israeli leader, saying that after nearly nine years in office, it is time for a new face … Read More
JERUSALEM (AP) — Even before Israel’s hastily called election campaign kicks into gear, a former ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is shaping up to be the biggest potential challenge to his re-election. Moshe Kahlon was the most popular Cabinet minister in Netanyahu’s previous government, drawing wide appeal for his working-class background and for pushing daring reforms. But prior to … Read More