Ofir Katz, Likud MK and coalition whip, is in the news for Israel’s controversial deportation law targeting Palestinians. Born 1980.
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 Prime Minister Netanyahu has signed orders to revoke the citizenship of two Palestinians convicted of attacks, under a 2023 law allowing citizenship revocation for those receiving Palestinian Authority payments. This marks the law's first implementation, raising concerns over discrimination and potential wider expulsions.
After nearly two years of closure, the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt has partially reopened, allowing a limited number of Palestinians to leave for medical treatment and family reunification. The process remains tightly controlled, with slow progress and ongoing Israeli restrictions, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.