Israeli elections

Israeli army soldiers gather near infantry-fighting vehicles (IFVs) at a position along the Israel-Gaza border fence on October 10, 2025. Gaza's civil defence agency said October 10 that Israeli forces have begun pulling back from parts of the territory, particularly in Gaza City and Khan Yunis. Israeli prime minister's office said that the government had "approved the framework" of a hostage release deal with Hamas, as both sides edged closer to ending more than two years of hostilities in Gaza. (Photo by

Analysis

Netanyahu gamble appears to pay off as Israelis cheer Gaza retreat, planned hostage release

The Israeli military started its withdrawal from the Strip even before receiving a formal order to do so.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Israeli police escort Israeli former Justice Minister Yossi Beilin.

Interview

Israel's Oslo architect Yossi Beilin: 2 years after Oct. 7, Netanyahu 'has no hope' of reelection

Veteran left-wing politician and former Minister Yossi Beilin says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has caused Israel's deepening international isolation and military quagmire in the Gaza Strip.

Yossi Beilin

Former Israeli Minister

AMIR COHEN/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

More bark than bite: Why Israel’s far right won’t rush to quit government despite Gaza plan

Now that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted Washington's plan to end the war, farright Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir must decide whether to quit the government as threatened.

Mazal Mualem

By Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics

Palestinians watch as a plume of smoke rises during an Israeli strike on Gaza City's southern al-Zeitoun neighbourhood on Aug. 8, 2025.

Analysis

As Israel moves on Gaza City and calls for Hamas talks, Trump remains silent

Opposition leaders have offered Prime Minister Netanyahu a "safety net" for a ceasefire, vowing to support his government if extremists try to bring it down as a result of a deal.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Latest News

Israel's Netanyahu, army chief face off over possible Gaza City offensive

Zamir

Analysis

Collision course: 'Desperate' Netanyahu pushes Gaza takeover plan as military balks

An Israeli army infantry-fighting vehicle leaves a cloud of dust as it moves at a position along Israel's southern border with the Gaza Strip, Aug. 5, 2025.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Analysis

Can Netanyahu thread needle on Gaza ceasefire without losing coalition?

Israel's (L to R) Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu applaud during the address of Argentina's President to a session of the Israeli parliament (Knesset) at its headquarters in Jerusalem on June 11, 2025. (Photo by Menahem KAHANA / AFP) (Photo by MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images)

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Analysis

Trump’s intervention fuels debate in Israel: Will Netanyahu accept plea deal or pardon?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends his trial on corruption charges at the District Court in Tel Aviv, on Dec. 16, 2024.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 24: Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu leaves 10, Downing Street after meeting Britain's Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, on March 24, 2023 in London, England. Benjamin Netanyahu visits London against a backdrop of unrest at home. Protest are being held weekly across Israel against legislation neing pushed through the Knesset by his government to restain the judiciary. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

Analysis

Can't count him out: Netanyahu, allies score big in Israel's municipal elections

Despite the Likud's plunge in the polls, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s party preserved most of its power in this week's municipal elections.

Mazal Mualem

By Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics

Merav Michaeli (C), leader of Israel's Labour party and member of Knesset (parliament), speaks on the phone during a Knesset session in a red costume as a form of protest alluding to "The Handmaid's Tale" book and television series, in Jerusalem on March 15, 2023. (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP) (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP via Getty Images)

Israel's Labor Party chief: Netanyahu’s policies 'charade,' Gaza solution requires PA

In an exclusive interview, Israeli Labor leader Merav Michaeli squarely blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for emboldening far-right politicians and damaging relations with the United States.

SHIR TOREM/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Netanyahu gives in to US pressure on Paris talks but still committed to war

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walked back his previous opposition and agreed to send an Israeli delegation to Paris only under American pressure and to preserve Israeli ties with Egypt.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) attends a Knesset meeting, Jerusalem, July 10, 2023.

Analysis

How Israeli Knesset’s rejection of Palestinian state shows far-right’s hold on Netanyahu

While the Knesset overwhelmingly approved of the prime minister’s proposal to reject any “unilateral recognition" of a Palestinian state, the opposition accused Netanyahu of inventing “a threat that doesn’t exist.”

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) exits after testifying in a hearing at the Magistrate's Court, Rishon Lezion, Jan. 23, 2023.

Analysis

Netanyahu seeks to delay fraud trial ahead of potentially damaging testimony

The Israeli prime minister's chances of avoiding conviction on all the charges against him appear to be nil, but he still has options.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

This picture shows a view of the West Bank settlement of Har Bracha near the occupied West Bank city of Nablus on January 22, 2024. (Photo by Jaafar ASHTIYEH / AFP) (Photo by JAAFAR ASHTIYEH/AFP via Getty Images)

Israel to reward new immigrants for settling in periphery, West Bank

Israel's Immigration and Finance Ministries unveiled a new scheme offering economic incentives for immigrants who settle in peripheral northern or southern communities or in the occupied West Bank.

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - MAY 25: (ISRAEL OUT) In this handout image provided by the Israeli Government Press Office, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the first leg of his four-day trip to the Middle East, on May 25, 2021 in Jerusalem, Israel. The Secretary of State will also travel to Ramallah to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, as well as travelling to Egypt and Jordan.

Analysis

Netanyahu wants 'total victory' — will it cost Saudi normalization, US support?

The Israeli prime minister is not on the same page as the Biden administration or the Saudi leadership, risking his diplomatic and war aims.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

handshake

Argentina’s Milei breaks with Latin America, doubles down on Israel support

Argentinian President Javier Milei announced on a trip to Israel Tuesday that he would move his country's embassy to Jerusalem and advance legislation at home declaring Hamas a terror organization.

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 15: U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcome Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu during an arrival outside the West Wing of the White House on September 15, 2020 in Washington, DC. The foreign affairs minister is in Washington to participate in the signing ceremony of the Abraham Accords. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Analysis

Is Netanyahu waiting for Trump as Israel's Ben-Gvir sabotages Biden?

Israel's Prime Minister stays mum, while National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ruins the country's relations with its greatest ally, the United States.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

amlies of hostages and supporters hold signs and photos of hostages during a protest calling for an hostages deal with Hamas near the Israeli Prime Minister's residence on January 22, 2024in Jerusalem Israel. According to Israel, 132 hostages are still held by Hamas in Gaza since the October 7 attack. As the conflict between Israel-Hamas conflict rages on, the IDF focused the military offensive on Khan Younes, now the epicenter of the clashes in southern Gaza. For their part, families of hostages in Israel

Analysis

What's holding up Israel-Hamas hostage release, cease-fire deal?

Reports indicate that Israel would have to release thousands of Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of murder, in exchange for the release of the roughly 136 hostages held in Gaza.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL - JANUARY 30: An Israeli soldier passes by a wall with photos of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip on January 30, 2024 in Tel Aviv, Israel. The Israeli prime minister's office referred to as "constructive" the recent high-level talks on a proposed pause in fighting in Gaza, as well the release of Israeli hostages held there. The potential deal, which is being brokered by Qatar and Egypt, would also entail the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel and other conditions. (Phot

Analysis

Cautious optimism around Israel-Hamas deal but Netanyahu indecisive

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu knows that his far-right allies will give him hell, should he accept a hostage release deal that would set free thousands of Palestinian prisoners.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 24: Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu leaves 10, Downing Street after meeting Britain's Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, on March 24, 2023 in London, England. Benjamin Netanyahu visits London against a backdrop of unrest at home. Protest are being held weekly across Israel against legislation neing pushed through the Knesset by his government to restain the judiciary. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

Analysis

Netanyahu isolated, threatened by Gaza deal on eve of Mossad-CIA-Qatar talks

With American, Egyptian, Israeli and Qatari officials closer to a deal, Netanyahu may soon have to choose between the hostages in Gaza and the hard-liners holding him hostage.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense