naftali bennet

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (photo: Kobi Gideon/GPO)

Referendum on peace agreement just might pass

The first reaction of the Israeli Right to the possible revival of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations has been to rush legislation ensuring a referendum on a future agreement. The idea is to supplement Israel’s 2010 law with provisions that tailor it to apply to any kind of agreement (the existing law passed in 2010 is somewhat…

By Dahlia Scheindlin July 23, 2013

Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked of Jewish Home at the party headquarters on election day 2013

Why the emerging Israeli coalition makes me hopeful

The answer is not in the government – which would deepen inequality and won’t be willing or able to end the occupation – but in the unusual alliances that could be formed in the opposition. Benjamin Netanyahu has until the end of next week to introduce his new government. All indications show that it will…

By Noam Sheizaf March 5, 2013

The rise of the extreme right is the story of the Israeli elections

There are two new elections polls out, both following the trends of the last few weeks. First, Netanyahu’s right-Orthodox bloc is pulling ahead, now polling 67.5 seats in our average (out of the Knesset’s 120). As I argued when the elections were called, it’s clear that no candidate but Netanyahu will be able to form…

By Noam Sheizaf December 25, 2012

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Former Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz announcing his decision to leave Labor and join Tzipi Livni's (right) new party. December 6, 2012 (photo: Tal Schneider)

Horse trading between centrist parties reveals leadership failure, looming loss

In a surprise move, former Labor leader Amir Peretz has joined Tzipi Livni’s new party. Former defense minister and Labor leader Amir Peretz announced today that he will be leaving his party and joining Hatnua, the new party formed by Tzipi Livni. Peretz, who criticized current party leader Shelly Yachimovich for not having any diplomatic…

By Noam Sheizaf December 6, 2012