The Knesset is in the news for passing controversial laws on death penalties and settlements amid rising tensions with Palestinians.
As of February 2, 2026, France's minority government led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has passed the 2026 budget after months of deadlock, using constitutional Article 49.3 to bypass parliamentary votes and surviving multiple no-confidence motions. Meanwhile, Israel's coalition faces a tough battle to approve its 2026 budget amid disputes over ultra-Orthodox military conscription exemptions, with key ultra-Orthodox factions signaling conditional support for initial budget readings.
Israel's parliament narrowly approved a 662 billion shekel budget amid deep political polarization. The government faces a March deadline to pass key military conscription legislation, with ultra-Orthodox parties threatening to block the budget over exemptions for yeshiva students. Tensions threaten early elections.
Israeli lawmakers voted to give the Chief Rabbinate full authority over prayer at the Western Wall, threatening the egalitarian section and sparking international criticism. The bill aims to override a recent court ruling supporting non-Orthodox prayer spaces, raising concerns over religious freedom and unity among Jews worldwide. The vote occurred today, February 26, 2026.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel, reaffirming strong political, military, and technological ties. The trip included signing multiple agreements, emphasizing innovation and security cooperation, while avoiding direct criticism of Israel's Gaza actions. The visit signals a shift in India’s regional alliances, amid international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
Israel's parliament is set to pass legislation allowing the death penalty exclusively for Palestinians accused of terror, sparking international criticism. Countries including the UK, France, Germany, and Italy have expressed concern over the bill's discriminatory nature and potential violation of international law. The law is expected to face legal challenges.
Israel's parliament approved its largest-ever budget of $271 billion, increasing military and ultra-Orthodox funding. The move follows a last-minute amendment supporting ultra-Orthodox institutions, sparking criticism. The government also advances a controversial bill to impose the death penalty for Palestinian attackers, drawing domestic and international opposition.
Israel's parliament approved a law making the death penalty the default for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks in the West Bank. The law, supported by far-right leaders, faces international criticism for discrimination and potential violations of international law. Implementation is set for 30 days, with legal challenges expected.
Israel's Knesset has approved a law allowing the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terrorism, sparking protests and international criticism. The law targets Palestinians in the West Bank and is seen as a move towards harsher punitive measures, with critics warning of legal and human rights violations. The law was passed on April 12, 2026.
Palestinian protests have erupted across the West Bank and Gaza following Israel's passage of a law allowing the death penalty for Palestinians accused of terrorism. The law has drawn international condemnation, increased violence, and protests in Palestinian cities and abroad. Israeli military actions and settler violence continue to escalate.
Israel's Knesset approved a law making death by hanging the default for Palestinians accused of killing Israelis, excluding Jewish citizens. The law has been condemned internationally as discriminatory and a violation of human rights, with critics describing it as institutionalising apartheid-like practices.
Israel has enacted a law allowing the death penalty exclusively for Palestinians convicted of terrorism, with executions to occur within 90 days. The law is criticized for its racial discrimination, undermining legal rights, and potential to escalate violence. International bodies condemn the move as a war crime.
Israel's government secretly approved 34 new settlements in the West Bank, drawing international condemnation. The move, part of a broader settlement expansion since 2022, violates international law and has sparked protests and violence. The Palestinian leadership condemns the decision as illegal and a violation of their rights.
On April 16, 2026, the US Senate has rejected two resolutions led by Senator Bernie Sanders to block $295 million in bulldozer sales and $152 million in bomb sales to Israel. Forty Democrats supported blocking bulldozer sales, and 36 backed blocking bomb sales, but Republicans opposed both measures, defeating them 40-59 and 36-63 respectively. The votes have reflected growing Democratic unease over US military aid amid Israeli actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.