Israeli academic and politician, Knesset member for Hadash in the Joint List
Palestinian communities in the West Bank face escalating settlement activity, land seizures and displacement. New outposts are expanding, while a broader, systemic shift underlines the ongoing occupation and its impact on livelihoods and local governance.
The Times of Israel reports ongoing confrontations within Israel's ruling coalition over ultra-Orthodox exemptions from military service. Lawmakers have pushed through measures while facing opposition from a shrinking band of dissenters; the issue shapes the political landscape ahead of the upcoming election.
Arab party Raam will run on an anti-crime platform with Yoav Segalovitz, a Jewish former police official, joining the list. Abbas says cooperation is possible; poll projections place Raam at five or six seats in the Knesset. The move signals a shift toward coalition politics but is met with criticism from Likud.
The Central Elections Committee has moved to disqualify Arab-Israeli candidates Abu Shehadeh and Cassif, citing alleged support for armed struggle and negation of Israel’s Jewish and democratic character. Petitions, backed by coalition and opposition factions alike, are awaiting Supreme Court approval. Abu Shehadeh says the moves are attempts to silence Arab political voice.