AVI SOLOMON

Avi Solomon is the Knesset reporter for the Hebrew news site, Walla .

Finance Minister and Head of the Religious Zionist Party Bezalel Smotrich leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, February 16, 2026.

Smotrich, Netanyahu quarrel over law banning release of senior terrorists during exchange deals

YITZIK CROMBIE, the CEO of Israeli start-up Bizmax, poses on November 21 2018 at the company's offices in Jerusalem, the first of its kind for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men.

EU appoints first ever haredi to National Team of Higher Education Reform Experts

Hamas Nukhba Battalion terrorists who were captured on October 7th massacre seen in a jail cell at a prison in central Israel, where high risk Hamas and Hezbollah prisoners captured in recent war are being held, March 4, 2025.

Israel's Knesset moves to try Nukhba terrorists as Phase I of Trump's Gaza plan ends


'Chutzpan': Netanyahu removes Smotrich, Amsalem from cabinet meeting after shouting match

The clash intensified when Smotrich said, “Who are you anyway? Why are you interfering?" and Amsalem replied, “You’re not speaking politely, don’t call me chutzpan.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at cabinet meeting to vote on 2026 budget, December 5, 2025.

Bill on prosecuting October 7 Nukhba terrorists passes first Knesset reading

The bill explicitly bars defendants or convicts prosecuted under its provisions from being included in any future decisions on the release of terrorists as part of diplomatic negotiations.

Terrorists from Hamas's Nukhba Force being held at Ofer Prison near Jerusalem, August 28, 2024.

Rabbi Uri Lupolianski, first haredi mayor of Jerusalem and Yad Sarah founder, dies at 74

He served as mayor of Jerusalem from 2003 to 2008, becoming the first haredi (ultra-Orthodox) politician elected to the role.

 Former Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski is greeted by supporters as he arrives to Yad Sarah foundation in Jerusalem. Lupolianski, founder of the Yad Sarah, the largest national volunteer organization in Israel. December 29, 2015.

Knesset bill seeks military burial for Israelis whose suicide tied to IDF service

Under the proposal, discharged soldiers and reservists who took their own lives as a result of combat stress or other psychological harm incurred during service would be eligible for military burial.

IDF soldiers prepare for Remembrance Day at the graves of fallen soldiers at the Har Herzl military cemetery, April 23, 2023.

Assault survivors describe delays, judgment, and lack of care in Knesset testimony

During the session, Ben-Gvir clashed with opposition members and declared his attendance was “to give you a chance,” before promptly exiting.

 Sexual assault (Illustrative)

Thirteen officers injured as ultra-Orthodox Jews riot over parking ticket, four arrested

Rioters hurled stones, vandalized a police vehicle and property, and threw trash cans at officers after police tried to issue a routine parking ticket in Jerusalem.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men clash with police during a protest following the issuance of a parking ticket in Jerusalem, December 18, 2025

Likud MK advances October 7 investigation bill, expected to be voted in Knesset in coming weeks

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured that “the investigation committee will be equal between the coalition and the opposition."

Protests in Tel Aviv demanding a new October 7 state probe.

Over 60 local leaders push Netanyahu to halt haredi draft bill, warn of social rift

“The IDF needs, more than ever, additional soldiers to carry the heavy burden of defending the state,” the letter said, arguing that mandatory service reflects Israel’s “shared destiny.”

A Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, December 1, 2025.

Violent clashes in Ramat Gan as protesters attack troops detaining draft-dodging yeshiva students

As tensions rose, Border Police rescued the soldiers under attack. Protesters overturned a military police vehicle, chanting, "We do not believe in the rule of the heretics."

Ultra orthodox Jews block a road and clash with police during a protest against the drafting of ultra orthodox jews to the Israeli army, in Ramat Gan, December 24, 2024.

Lapid to bring Trump's Gaza peace plan to Knesset vote in bid to 'embarrass' Netanyahu

In a statement, Lapid noted that "we support President Trump and strengthen his hand in the efforts to implement the stages of the plan."

Opposition leader and Yesh Atid head MK Yair Lapid speaks before a faction meeting at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, February 17, 2025