Following the selection of the prime minister's son, Yesh Atid and opposition parties backed away from the agreement between the parties, and the vote on Yair Netanyahu's appointment was postponed by two weeks.

"A corrupt cross-party political deal to appoint Yair Netanyahu as head of the advocacy and diaspora division in the WZO is a value collapse, corruption and nepotism," wrote Yashar! party leader and former IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot. "A person who didn't return to Israel in its difficult hour, didn't serve in reserves throughout the period and spreads conspiracy theories against the State of Israel. Another characteristic of the government of negligence and evasion. Herzl is rolling in his grave."

Democrats chairman Yair Golan also addressed the storm and wrote, "We were shocked to discover Likud's intention to appoint Yair Netanyahu to a senior position in Zionist institutions. This is a corrupt and disgraceful appointment and another step in the destruction of Israel's national institutions. Yair Netanyahu, a person who dedicated his life to incitement and division, is not worthy of representing the Jewish people or enjoying status and public funds. We will not cooperate with the despicable appointment and will do everything to block the mafia-like takeover by the Netanyahu family."

Yesh Atid claims they were surprised by the attempt to appoint the prime minister's son and withdrew from the agreement. Yair Lapid wrote on social media, "Won't happen. Period."

 Zohar wrote a response to the firestorm on social media and tried to justify the demand to appoint Netanyahu's son. "For years, all left-wing representatives have worked to appoint family members and associates to positions in national institutions, and suddenly when it comes to Likud and Netanyahu, it becomes a storm," Zohar wrote. "This is yet another part of the personal persecution campaign by the left and the media against the prime minister and his family. Here's another repulsive display of malicious hypocrisy unlike any other against Yair Netanyahu, who simply wanted to do Zionist advocacy in the diaspora for the Jewish people."

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Regarding the first challenge, Netanyahu is eager to pass the conscription law. The Shas party would also greatly welcome the bill's passage. The faction emphasizes that it has never withdrawn from the coalition and that it supports Netanyahu's Government – yet, it currently seems difficult to formulate a version that will satisfy the needs of both the IDF and the ultra-Orthodox, and one that can also withstand judicial scrutiny by the Supreme Court.

On Friday, in a rarity for the Sukkot holiday, a meeting took place in the Knesset involving Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman MK Boaz Bismuth, the committee's legal counsel, and Shas representatives – former Minister Ariel Attias and MK Yinon Azoulay. A source present at the meeting informed Israel Hayom: "I am not a bearer of good tidings." The other participants in the meeting responded similarly. As for  Netanyahu, those in his inner circle say he wishes to pass the bill as quickly as possible, both to remove this major issue from Israeli society and because it is obvious that without this law, the government has no real chance of survival.

With regards to the state budget, the Knesset will be dissolved if the government fails to finalize a law that passes the Knesset by March. Netanyahu, according to those around him, is determined to pass a budget and has the capability to do so, but it appears that there are currently too many opposing elements that need to be satisfied. The ultra-Orthodox will undoubtedly want a budget that meets their needs, and the defense budget will also require exceptional focus, especially following a war.

Nevertheless, the prime minister's associates have been communicating very clear signals that Netanyahu will not head to elections before he completes his objectives, which are as follows: the return of the hostages; guaranteeing that Hamas does not return to rule; and placing Gaza on a path to demilitarization. His orbit has also been mentioning cementing the achievements against Lebanon, Syria, and Iran – and even the signing of several peace agreements.

And then there is the Netanyahu trial, where he is at the start of the cross-examination in Case 1000, the gifts case. As a reminder, Netanyahu had sought to postpone the testimony scheduled on Wednesday. Israel Hayom's legal correspondent, Elinor Shirkani Kofman, reported that the prosecution consented to the delay on the condition that Netanyahu would testify on Thursday. Ultimately, the testimony proceeded on Wednesday as scheduled. The trial and Netanyahu's testimony will also affect the political process – as the trial progresses or faces delays, the prime minister will possess more leverage.

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"Countless people have asked me whether elections will even take place," Bennett wrote. "Let me be clear: we will not allow anyone to delay or disrupt them. We are on top of this. Elections can only be postponed with the approval of 80 Knesset members, and there is no such majority."

Turning to security chiefs, police officers, public servants, judges and members of the Central Elections Committee, Bennett said: "Continue to safeguard the law and the state. I am aware of the immense pressure being exerted on you. It is not easy, but do not agree to break the law or bend the rules because of political pressure. You will not forgive yourselves for deviating from the law; you bear responsibility for your actions. There is a tomorrow. Do not be afraid. This government will soon be replaced."

Bennett went on to accuse the government of corruption and misconduct: "The harmful norms that have seeped into public institutions – such as allowing enemy state agents to operate from the prime minister's office, ministers receiving bribes, or political and criminal fixers intervening in the promotion of senior army and police officers – will be uprooted at the root. The country will soon return to a healthy path of professional governance, renewal and growth."

Defense Minister Israel Katz responded to Bennett's remarks, saying: "Bennett declares he is aware of pressure on the security establishment to prevent the elections. Just as he was 'aware' of the plan to strike Iran, which he opposed only days before it was carried out."

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Cohen led the Mossad from 2016-2021 and was an active partner in preparations and targeted attacks on Iran's nuclear program throughout those years, including the seizure of nuclear archives. His name is rising as a potential candidate in upcoming elections, making the book's release sound like a logical step toward his leap into the political arena, should he announce a run.

Israel Hayom has learned that a ministerial committee for permits and publications received the book for approval and Cohen is currently receiving comments from the Israel Defense Forces and additional security bodies regarding intelligence publications contained in his book. Only after receiving responses from intelligence and security bodies will the ministers on the committee approve the book, and it will be sent to print.

Similar to other publications by former senior officials in the security establishment, every book that sees the light and deals with the core security activities of Israel undergoes approval by the ministerial committee before being sent to print. Similarly, Cohen, who headed the Mossad during critical years for handling and preparing for the Iranian nuclear issue, was required to receive committee approval.

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Likud party insiders reported Monday that negotiations with New Hope — The National Right party leader Gideon Sa'ar have made substantial headway. They suggest that the primary hurdle to forming a government with Sa'ar hinges on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision regarding Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's future – a decision yet to be finalized despite the strained relationship between the two.

Likud sources hint at a possible rotation agreement for the defense portfolio between Sa'ar and Foreign Minister Israel Katz, with Katz becoming defense minister and Sa'ar becoming foreign minister, until a later point in which they would swap. Sa'ar's office has remained tight-lipped, stating simply: "There is nothing new." Political observers speculate that New Hope MK Zeev Elkin might be tapped for the health minister position.

Netanyahu's office swiftly dismissed the reports saying, "The claims regarding negotiations with Gideon Sa'ar are inaccurate." The Shas Haredi party echoed this sentiment. However, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum reacted with fury, "Appointing Gideon Sa'ar as defense minister would be tantamount to the prime minister admitting he has abandoned the hostages for good," they said.

Netanyahu appears to be in no rush to oust Gallant and opposes the idea of moving Israel Katz from the Foreign Ministry to accommodate Sa'ar. Sources close to the prime minister argue it's illogical to sideline Katz, a party loyalist, while rewarding Gallant, who has taken opposing stances to Netanyahu. Gallant's office has yet to comment, though insiders suggest there might be some truth to the reports.

The government and Likud are keen to bring Sa'ar back into the fold to broaden the Coalition, hoping Gallant's potential exit might resolve conscription disputes with ultra-Orthodox parties. The question remains whether Sa'ar would be amenable to compromises on conscription – compromises Gallant rejected, leading to the current impasse. Government officials believe Sa'ar's security stance aligns more closely with the majority of the cabinet than Gallant's does.

In a candid interview with Israel Hayom just before his March resignation, Sa'ar stated: "Had I pledged support for the conscription law, I'd be sitting in the War Cabinet today. Naturally, I declined. Our principles and values are not up for negotiation."

He elaborated: "Various offers were on the table. Some fell short of an adequate alternative to the War Cabinet, while others came with strings attached that I couldn't accept. I believe my demand was reasonable – after all, in this administration, all party leaders either hold portfolios or sit on the War Cabinet."

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A newly formed committee tasked with reviewing Israel's defense budget convened its first meeting Sunday, facing significant challenges. With a tight eight-week deadline for preliminary findings, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant remain at odds over the committee's scope, particularly regarding major military procurement decisions, Israel Hayom has learned. 

Tensions between the two ministers have frequently spilled into the public domain in recent months, notably concerning Air Force aircraft acquisitions. While they agreed to exclude F-35 purchases from the committee's discussions, the procurement of F-15 jets will be examined, with recommendations due within 45 days. The dispute has now expanded, with Gallant seeking to exempt an additional Navy project from the committee's scrutiny. Smotrich contends that such exemptions will render the committee ineffective and unable to recommend crucial changes.

Responding to inquiries, the Defense Minister's office stated, "Minister Gallant stressed the urgent need for the Ministerial Procurement Committee to approve the purchase of combat vessels to replace aging ships slated for decommissioning. These weapons will serve the IDF regardless of the committee's decision. Any procurement delay could inflate costs and compromise the Navy's full operational readiness."

The committee faces a daunting timeline, with interim conclusions due in eight weeks and final recommendations expected within four months. This compressed schedule is particularly challenging given the committee's broad mandate to examine Israel's past and present security concepts, anticipate future challenges, and thoroughly investigate the sprawling defense establishment.

The Defense Ministry officials had initially requested a budget increase of 220 billion shekels (approximately $61 billion) over the next four years. Smotrich, however, argued that the events of Oct. 7 necessitate a comprehensive reevaluation of Israel's security strategy.

Following the committee's first meeting, Smotrich remarked, "I've been advocating for this committee's establishment for six months. The October 7 attacks and Operation Iron Swords have shaken the foundations of long-held assumptions within Israel's defense establishment. We can't simply maintain the status quo by writing blank checks for more of the same. We'll conduct a thorough investigation into past failures and chart the best path forward to secure Israel's future."

The committee's findings are expected to carry significant weight, given the outsized nature of Israel's defense budget. Any adjustments or efficiency improvements could potentially free up resources for other critical sectors such as healthcare and education.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is quietly considering a major shake-up in his cabinet, eyeing Foreign Minister Israel Katz as a potential replacement for Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Israel Hayom has learned.

The behind-the-scenes deliberations, ongoing for the past two weeks, come amid growing tensions between Netanyahu and Gallant, with the potential reshuffle raising questions about the stability of Israel's defense leadership at a time of heightened regional tensions.

Sources close to the matter indicate that Katz, who took over as foreign minister just months ago as part of a rotation agreement with Bezalel Smotrich (now finance minister), is reluctant to give up his current post.

Netanyahu's team initially floated Gideon Sa'ar as a possible successor to Gallant, a move that would have strengthened the Coalition's parliamentary position. However, the prime minister's inner circle remains wary of the New Hope chairman, citing trust issues. This led them to explore other options, including Katz.

The potential appointment of Katz to the defense portfolio was part of a broader Cabinet reshuffle plan. The proposal aimed to bring Sa'ar into the Coalition, but in a less influential role than defense minister to curb his power relative to Netanyahu. The suggested reshuffle would have seen Sa'ar take over the Justice Ministry, current Justice Minister Yariv Levin move to the Foreign Ministry, and Katz assume the defense post. However, this complex arrangement failed to gain support from either Katz or Sa'ar.

Sa'ar has repeatedly stated in media interviews that he hasn't received an offer for the defense ministry role and denies any ongoing talks with Likud. Still, the lawmaker keeps his options open, saying, "I'm not tying my hands in any way."

Insiders reveal that Netanyahu was ready to oust Gallant following his recent successful US visit, which typically would have strengthened the prime minister's position. However, security incidents in Majdal Shams – where a Hezbollah rocket hit on a soccer field killed 12 children – and escalating tensions with Iran have put these plans on hold.

At its core, Netanyahu's desire to replace Gallant remains strong. The main considerations now are timing and whether the prime minister has moved past his concerns about potential public backlash. These concerns stem from the widespread protests that erupted last year when Netanyahu attempted to dismiss Gallant, leading to a dramatic reversal of the decision.

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Just before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flies for a state visit to Washington DC, where he will address Congress, the National Right party – led by Knesset member Gideon Sa'ar – spearheaded a move to outflank Netanyahu from the Right. The party brought before the Knesset a proposal that establishes the Knesset's position against the establishment of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River. The vote passed with a majority of 68 supporters and nine opponents. The prime minister was absent from the vote.

The full text of the proposal, initiated by Knesset members Ze'ev Elkin from the National Right party and Moshe Solomon from the Religious Zionism party, states, "The Knesset of Israel is firmly opposed to the establishment of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River. The establishment of a Palestinian state in the heart of the Land of Israel would constitute an existential threat to the State of Israel and its citizens, perpetuate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and undermine regional stability.

"It would only be a short matter of time before Hamas takes over the Palestinian state and turns it into a base of radical Islamic terrorism, coordinated with the Iran-led axis, to annihilate the State of Israel. Promoting the idea of a Palestinian state would reward terrorism and only encourage Hamas and its supporters, who would see it as a victory due to the Oct. 7 massacre and a prelude to a jihadist Islamic takeover of the Middle East."

The right-wing political parties welcomed the passage of the proposal, but it should be noted that it is merely declarative - and its approval does not prevent a future diplomatic move, should one come to fruition.

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In a scathing rebuke, a group of distinguished Israelis has condemned the US Congress's invitation to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint session on July 24. The critics, spanning various sectors of Israeli society, argue that this gesture rewards Netanyahu's "scandalous and destructive conduct" towards Israel, in The New York Times opinion piece on Tuesday.

The authors, who hail from various sectors of Israeli society, including science, technology, politics, defense, law, and culture, contend that Netanyahu's government is "driving Israel downhill at an alarming speed" and that the country may eventually be lost as a result. They contend that Netanyahu's government is rapidly driving Israel towards ruin, citing his failure to end the Gaza war and secure hostage releases as prime examples of his ineffectiveness.

"Inviting Netanyahu will reward his contempt for US efforts to establish a peace plan, allow more aid to the beleaguered people of Gaza, and do a better job of sparing civilians," the authors write in The New York Times. They argue that the invitation should have been contingent upon resolving these issues and calling for new elections in Israel.

The critics also accuse Netanyahu of repeatedly rejecting President Biden's plan to remove Hamas from power in Gaza through the establishment of a peacekeeping force, a move they believe could lead to a broader regional alliance and a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They assert that such an outcome is not only in Israel's interest but also in the interest of both political parties in the United States.

Furthermore, the authors contend that Netanyahu has failed to take responsibility for the blunders that allowed the Hamas assault, initially blaming security chiefs before quickly backtracking. They call for the establishment of a state commission of inquiry, headed by a Supreme Court judge, to investigate the fiasco.

The opinion piece also highlights the ongoing nationwide demonstrations in Israel, with participants demanding an immediate release of the hostages, an end to the war, and immediate elections. Polls cited by the authors indicate that a majority of Israelis support these demands, reflecting a growing loss of faith in Netanyahu's government.

"Giving Netanyahu the stage in Washington will all but dismiss the rage and pain of his people, as expressed in the demonstrations throughout the country," the authors write, urging American lawmakers to reconsider the invitation and ask the prime minister to stay home.

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In a revealing interview, Labour Party leader Keir Starmer discussed his family life, including his wife Victoria's Jewish background and their approach to parenting, as he campaigns for the upcoming election.

When asked about his children's religious identity, Starmer was cautious. "No, no, they're not Jewish for reasons I won't bore you with. Bernard's dad's family didn't accept that," he explained, waving off further discussion on the topic.

Starmer, who is poised to become the next British prime minister if Labour wins in a landslide as expected, shared insights into his personal life with The Guardian. He described how he and his wife Victoria, who works in occupational health in the NHS, occasionally attend a liberal synagogue and maintain Jewish traditions at home.

"Pretty much every week there's a challah and we say kiddush with Bernard, or sometimes with Victoria's sister on Zoom," Starmer said, referring to his father-in-law. He emphasized the importance of their Jewish heritage, especially for their children. "We're very keen for the children to know about it, to understand it. Half of the family are Jewish, they're either here or in Israel."

However, when asked about his children's religious identity, Starmer was cautious. "No, no, they're not Jewish for reasons I won't bore you with. Bernard's dad's family didn't accept that," he explained, waving off further discussion on the topic.

The Labour leader also spoke about his parenting philosophy, developed with Victoria when their children were born. "We settled on 'happy and confident'. And that's always what we're asking ourselves: Are they happy? Are they confident?" Starmer said. He stressed their focus on allowing their children to develop naturally rather than pushing them in specific directions.

Addressing the potential of moving into 10 Downing Street if Labour wins the election, Starmer remained cautious. "Wherever we will live, we'll live together as family, of course. And that will be Downing Street if we get it over the line. But Vic and I are very much taking things as they come," he stated.

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