Israeli parties select candidates through vastly different democratic processes
Israel’s political parties employ markedly different methods for selecting parliamentary candidates ahead of elections. The Likud and Democrats saw tens of thousands of members vote, whilst the National Religious Party limited voting to several hundred central committee members. Right-wing parties Yamina and Ayelet Shaked concentrate candidate selection power among senior leadership, whilst ultra-Orthodox parties leave final decisions to rabbinic authorities. The divergent systems reflect fundamental differences in party structure and decision-making philosophy.
Ben Gvir freezes police appointments one day before major promotion round
National Security Minister Ben Gvir freezes all police appointments hours before 141 senior officers were due for promotion, citing election proximity concerns.
Bennett unveils joint election slate with female-led leadership positions
Opposition leader Naftali Bennett has released his party’s Knesset candidate list for the upcoming joint slate with Yesh Atid. The list includes five women in senior positions, notably placing senior ministry executives in prominent spots, including the former transport and finance ministry director-general in third place.
Two Knesset Members Expelled from Degel HaTorah Party
Knesset members Uri Maklev and Moshe Gafni were formally expelled from Degel HaTorah party by party leader Rabbi Dov Lando.
Israeli ultra-Orthodox party elects new chairman
Degel HaTorah party has elected Yaakov Asher as its new chairman, replacing veteran Moshe Gafni. The move marks a significant leadership transition within the ultra-Orthodox political faction that holds several seats in Israel’s coalition government.
Lapid unveils Yesh Atid candidates for merged Bennett alliance
Yesh Atid has announced its slate of candidates for a combined electoral list with Naftali Bennett’s party ahead of upcoming elections. The top ten positions include Meirav Ben Ari, Ne’om Tibon and Meirav Cohen from Yesh Atid, with Ram Ben Barak, Naor Shiri, Vladimir Beliak and Yoav Lehav Hertzanu in the second tier. The announcement comes amid reported departures of veteran Yesh Atid members, with party officials emphasising the promotion of prominent Knesset members.
Israeli party leaders outline competing visions for police reform
Senior figures from Israel’s political parties have presented rival proposals to overhaul the police and national security ministry amid rising crime levels. Plans range from establishing a special cabinet committee and appointing a professional minister to increasing budgets and introducing stricter legislation. The proposals were presented at a ‘Time for Decision: Democracy and Society’ conference ahead of elections, with each party offering distinct approaches to tackling street violence and institutional reform.
At least 10 killed in explosion at military base in Bolivia
At least 10 people have been killed in an explosion at a military base in Bolivia, according to local health authorities.
Explosions reported near Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub
Explosions reported near Iran’s Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf, a critical hub through which 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports pass, according to Iranian state media.
Landslide in China buries ten people
A landslide in Gaofen County, China has buried ten people under debris, according to CCTV reports.