Topic: Yisrael Beiteinu

Broad coalition in Israel shows Netanyahu's centrist colors

By bringing the centrist Kadima party into his coalition, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can address some of the more fundamental problems Israel faces – including the moribund peace process with Palestinians – without a veto threat from the far right parties.

Israel bans a textbook promoting Arab rights as 'unbalanced'

Israel's Education Ministry approved the textbook, 'Taking the Civil Road,' just last year but now says it has factual errors. Critics see the ban as part of a broader nationalistic push.

Hebron settlers threaten retaliation after Israeli police evict them

The tensions in Hebron, a mainly Arab city that's holy to both Muslims and Jews, test Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's willingness to expand settlement in the West Bank.

Are American Jews unfit to marry Israelis?

Israel has pulled a controversial series of ads that portrayed American Jews as out of touch with their roots. The flap illustrates a growing distance between US Jews and Israelis.

Initial euphoria over Gilad Shalit prisoner swap fades (video)

As details emerge of the Gilad Shalit prisoner swap, in which 1,000 Palestinians will be exchanged for one Israeli soldier, Palestinians are disappointed with who won't be released while Israelis worry about renewed violence.

In Israel, raft of new laws shows rise of the right

A spate of right-wing legislation is picking up supporters in the Israeli public, frustrated with uncertainty and their international isolation.

To jazz soundtrack, Israeli official insists settlements are legal

Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon offers a whimsical take on the Arab-Israeli conflict in a slick new video. His conclusion? Israeli West Bank settlements are legal and there is no occupation.

Do Israel's recent efforts to bolster security undermine its democracy?

A spate of recently-passed bills in the Israeli Knesset are seen by sponsors as necessary for the state's security, but critics say they infringe on civil rights.

For Israeli Arab teens, a way to serve the country – without joining the army

A civil service program gives Israel's Arab high school graduates – who are exempt from the military draft faced by Jewish 18-year-olds – the opportunity to contribute to their state.

Netanyahu strikes a deal on Israeli settlements – could it freeze peace, too?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears set to push through a temporary Israeli settlement freeze in exchange for $3 billion in US military aid.

As stonethrowing escalates, Israeli police round up Arab children in E. Jerusalem

Residents in the volatile neighborhood of Silwan say more than 100 youths have been arrested in the past month – often taken from their homes at 3 or 4 a.m.

Israel loyalty oath bill stirs Arab-Israeli unease

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for a loyalty oath that would require non-Jewish candidates for Israeli citizenship to pledge loyalty to Israel as a 'Jewish state.'

Why Israel is leaning on Egypt's Hosni Mubarak to nudge peace process

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, a staple of Mideast politics for more than 30 years, hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Cairo this weekend amid rising concerns about Mubarak's health.

Will Gaza flotilla raid mark end of Turkey-Israel relations?

Turkey called for an international investigation into the Israeli raid on the Gaza flotilla sent to break the aid blockade. At security meeting in Istanbul today, Turkey positioned itself as a leader in crafting a regional response. Turkey-Israel relations are fraying rapidly.

Israel's controversial expansion of Ariel University in West Bank

Upgrading Israel's Ariel University Center to a university will bolster plans to expand the campus in the Jewish settlement. The far-right Yisrael Beitenu party hailed the move.

Israel-Turkey spat reveals Israel's new 'national pride' policy

Turkey today accepted Israel's second, stronger apology. But changes in both countries' leadership – and in regional politics – are straining a long-standing and relatively close relationship.

Israel issues second apology to Turkey

Turkey reacted with fury this week after what it termed "humiliating" treatment of its ambassador to Israel by Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon. Mr. Ayalon issued a second apology to head off a Turkish threat to recall its ambassador.

Why Israel humiliated Turkey in response to a TV show

When Israeli officials summoned the Turkish ambassador over an anti-Israel TV show, they seated him in a lower chair and conspicuously failed to place Turkey's flag on the table. But at issue was much more than TV.

West Bank settlements become havens of Israeli surburbanites

Growth driven less by ideology than by middle-class economics could strain peace talks.

Israel's 455 new settler homes appease Netanyahu allies

Though the approval of new building in West Bank settlements angered many, it appears to have preserved the prime minister's coalition.

Catastrophe? Israel bans 'nakba' from Arab textbook.

The move to prevent Israeli Arab students from being taught that the creation of Israel was a 'catastrophe' for Palestinians reverses a 2007 decision.

Israeli cabinet to consider loyalty oath for citizens – including Arabs

On Sunday, Netanyahu's government votes on two bills designed to shore up support for Israel as a Jewish state.

The liability of political limbo in Israel

It threatens the very existence of the state.

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