Bennett teams up with Lapid to topple Netanyahu amid new Israeli political realignment; ex-PM candidate, ex-IT entrepreneur, ex-SO.
Recent cliff collapses in Israel and the UK highlight ongoing coastal erosion issues. Israel faces political and funding delays in shoreline protection, while storms in the UK have damaged access to Durdle Door, risking safety and tourism. Both cases underscore the urgent need for coordinated coastal management.
Israel and the US launched a coordinated attack targeting Iranian officials and military sites, including Supreme Leader Khamenei, aiming to eliminate threats to Israel. The operation involved strikes on multiple high-profile targets, with reports of senior Iranian figures killed. The strike marks a significant escalation in regional tensions.
On April 11, 2026, Ali Majed Hamadneh, 23, has died after Israeli settlers opened fire during a raid on Deir Jarir village in the West Bank. The attack occurred under Israeli military protection amid a surge in settler violence and government approval of 34 new settlements. The incident has intensified criticism of settlement expansion and settler attacks in the occupied territory.
Israeli military leaders warn of severe manpower shortages due to shortened service and ongoing regional conflicts. They call for urgent legislation to extend conscription and reserve duty, emphasizing the risk to military readiness amid increased demands from recent wars and regional tensions.
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.
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.
Former Israeli prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have merged their parties into a new alliance called Together (Yachad) and have presented a united list to challenge Benjamin Netanyahu in elections due by 27 October 2026. Polling has shown the joint ticket leading or matching Netanyahu's Likud and the merger is intended to end opposition infighting.
Former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have formed the Together slate, which polling shows would win 26 seats if elections were held today. Netanyahu faces growing opposition as polls suggest shifting support amid security and regional tensions.
Chile has moved to restore ties with Israel after recalling its ambassador amid criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The talks with President Herzog highlight a new drive for cooperation across agriculture, health, AI, and security, signaling a reorientation of bilateral relations under Chile’s new administration. The Times of Israel notes Kast’s government is pursuing closer engagement despite domestic scrutiny.
Israel’s prime minister has said he has made a secret March 26 trip to Al‑Ain to meet UAE president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and has called it a “historic breakthrough.” The UAE has denied the visit. Multiple outlets have reported broader Israel–UAE defence cooperation during the Iran war, including Iron Dome batteries and alleged intelligence coordination.
The governing coalition has submitted and won a preliminary Knesset vote to dissolve parliament and is preparing committee work that will set an election date at least 90 days after final passage. Ultra‑Orthodox parties are pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a yeshiva draft exemption while the coalition is racing controversial judicial and media reforms through committees.
Israel has moved toward dissolving the Knesset after an ultra-Orthodox faction declared it no longer considers Prime Minister Netanyahu a partner. A bill to disband the Knesset has cleared a preliminary reading, setting the stage for possible elections in September or by the late October deadline, depending on how the process unfolds.