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Israel

July 18, 2026

Tel Aviv 7:26 pm

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Israeli police officers clash with ultra-Orthodox Jewish men during a protest against their conscription, Bnei Brak, Israel, July 16, 2024.

Analysis

How Netanyahu's bet on ultra-Orthodox exposes his vulnerability in Israel's upcoming election

The prime minister needs the support of the ultra-Orthodox, who reject mandatory conscription, if he is to have a chance at winning reelection and forming the next government.

Mazal Mualem

By Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a session of the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem on July 16, 2026, before the start of the election recess ahead of the Oct. 27 general election.

Analysis

Trump's ‘180-degree reversal’ on Lebanon, Syria leaves Netanyahu with few options before elections

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hopes an Israeli withdrawal from two pilot zones in southern Lebanon will help ease tensions with President Donald Trump.

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

US Vice President JD Vance speaks at the Wisconsin Air National Guard facility at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on July 8, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Vance says Israeli intelligence had ties to Epstein: What to know

Vice President JD Vance has grown more critical of Israel, possibly in an effort to capitalize on changing views among voters with an eye on the 2028 presidential election.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a cornerstone laying ceremony for the Atarot Heritage Center at an abandon airport in East Jerusalem near the separation wall with the Israeli occupied West Bank city of Ramallah on July 5, 2026.

Israeli PM Netanyahu 'will not travel' to US next week, his office says

On Wednesday, an Israeli official had told Al-Monitor that Netanyahu was planning to travel on Saturday and meet with President Donald Trump next week and attend the memorial service for Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

Latest News

Ahmadinejad denies alleged Mossad plot to install him as Iran leader: What to know

BEIRUT, LEBANON - OCTOBER 13: Lebanese people wave flags and hold portraits of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (not pictured) as he arrives in southern suberb of Beirut on October 13, 2010 in Lebanon. The controversial visit is seen as a boost for key ally Hezbollah. According to reports Mr Ahmadinejad may visit the border with Israel - the site of recent deadly clashes between Israeli and Lebanese forces. (Photo by Salah Malkawi/Getty Images)

Analysis

As Trump prioritizes Hormuz, Israel fears Iran rebuilding nuclear program while preserving ballistic missile threat

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

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Jack Dutton

Chief Business Correspondent

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Ben Caspit

Israel Columnist

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

Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Rina Bassist

Associate Editor (Israel)

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Group to boost Palestinian economy, cut link to Israel

The Palestinian prime minister is heading a new group designed to inject vitality into the economy and strengthen partnerships among the public, private and civil sectors.

Netanyahu’s future coalition, the alliance of the underdogs?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is struggling to cobble together a coalition that would guarantee him immunity, with partners who consider themselves underdogs in Israeli society.

US Bahrain conference premature

The Bahrain conference demonstrates yet again the American lack of understanding of the region, and their mistaken belief that one could skip the Israeli-Palestinian diplomatic process.

The PA moves forward in its disengagement from Israel

The Palestinian government decided to appoint commercial attaches in the Palestinian embassies in a bid to promote national products abroad, which is seen as a step forward on the path of economic disengagement from Israel.

Hundreds of Israeli security experts warn of annexation dangers

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies are belittling hundreds of former security officials who warn that annexing West Bank lands would endanger Israel’s security.

Ultra-Orthodox set sights on Housing, Welfare portfolios

The ultra-Orthodox population is poor and faces a housing crisis, which has led their elected representatives to demand welfare and housing portfolios as conditions for joining the next government.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands as Netanyahu departs the White House from the West Wing in Washington, U.S. March 25, 2019. REUTERS/Leah Millis - RC12B9AA4CE0

Why Bahrain conference won’t be enough for peace

The US-initiated Bahrain conference will bring little to the Palestinians without a real peace process with Israel.

Contradictory moves to rescue Palestinian economy

While the United States is pushing for an economic workshop to help Palestinians, the mood in Ramallah is defiant with ideas to build an alternative independent economy — a goal sought by the Shtayyeh government.

Palestine eyes agricultural boost

The Palestine Investment Fund announced the creation of a company to invest in the agriculture sector in line with the government’s plan to boost local production and decrease dependence on Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sings the national anthem during the inauguration ceremony of Israel's 21st Knesset, or parliament, in Jerusalem April 30, 2019. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun - RC1D3EF81D40

Protests spread against Netanyahu’s immunity law

Legislation proposals on immunity and to limit the authority of the Supreme Court, both advanced by associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are angering many in the Israeli political arena and beyond.

Can Palestinians survive PA's disengagement from Israel?

The Palestinian Authority's announced goal of disengaging from Israel appears to be dismissive of the geo-political environment in which it is operating and the devastating consequences such a move will have for Palestinians on the West Bank and in Gaza.

Likud seniors silent on hate campaign against Netanyahu’s rival

Senior Likud members are so afraid about their future Cabinet portfolios, they keep silent over the incitement campaign launched by associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against Gideon Saar.