Israel and International Law

Since the outbreak of war Israel has faced with a range of legal challenges related to the ongoing conflict, both internally and in relation to international law.

On the international front Israel faces legal proceedings in both the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Criminal Court of Justice (ICJ).

In the ICJ a number of proceedings are ongoing, including a rebuttal against South Africa’s allegations of genocide in the war in Gaza and a longstanding investigation into Israeli policies and practices in occupied territories.

Additionally, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants against senior Israeli leaders for their conduct during the war.

IDI experts break down and evaluate the legal arguments surrounding Israel’s conduct, the broader implications of these cases for Israel’s international standing and provide policy recommendations to help Israel navigate these legal challenges effectively.

 Official Submission to the ICC by Prof. Amichai Cohen and Prof. Yuval Shany 

 

Prof. Amichai Cohen explains the possible effects of ICC Warrants on Israel:

War on Hamas: The Legal Frontlines | Dr. Eran Shamir Borer & Yohanan Plesner

Torah study is a cornerstone of Jewish heritage and is worthy of support. The Basic Law that has passed in Knesset, however, could have implications for the principle of equality, the constitutional status of a Basic law and indeed, the world of Torah itself.

The decision has been made for Knesset elections to take place, as scheduled, on October 27, 2026, marking the first election in Israel since 1988 in which Knesset has completed its full term. Indeed, Israel ranks as the country with the second-most frequent elections out of OECD parliamentary democracies.

Chapter 4 of the 2024 Arab Society Statistical Report.

The first of four chapters in the 2024 Arab Society Statistical Report. 

The second chapter of four from the Arab society 2023 statistical report. 

Chapter 3 of 4 of the 2024 Arab Society Statistical Report.

The legislation would largely repeal reforms passed in 2021, restoring the Chief Rabbinate’s centralized role over kosher certification, reducing competition and limiting religious choice.

The latest proposal would undermine the binding force of the Attorney General’s legal opinions and abolish the AG's exclusive authority to decide whether to permit the government separate legal representation, removing two of the main tools that enable the institution to safeguard the rule of law.

The Supreme Court belatedly finds refusal to allow ICRC visits to Palestinian prisoners a blatant violation of Israeli and international law.

28% of Israelis think Israel's security is a central consideration for President Trump, down from 44% last month. 72% of Israelis think Israel should maintain a permanent security zone in South Lebanon. A plurality (50.5%) of Israelis think it is inappropriate to advance legislation with a substantive impact on Israel's system so close to elections.

In light of the government's announcement that an interim order issued by the Supreme Court does not have binding force, the question arising in this case goes beyond the matter of the Second Authority and touches on the foundations of Israel’s democratic system of government.

The establishment of a politicized commission of inquiry into the failures of October 7, as in the legislation currently making its way through Knesset, would harm the ability to uncover the truth and the Israeli publics' ability to heal.

Legislation that would give the study of Torah constitutional status may lead to a situation in which, given limited resources, the state might prioritize Torah study over the acquisition of skills needed for the modern labor market and a thriving economy.

What does this legislation include? Why is it being legislated now, of all times? Is it constitutional? And how will it affect Haredi conscription? Everything you need to know.

This review demonstrates a clear correlation between religious self-definition and voting in elections. The further one moves toward the secular end of the continuum between Haredim and secular Jews, the greater the likelihood of voting for a political camp currently identified with the opposition, and vice versa.

A semi-open ballot system would give voters the chance to express preference for particular candidates on election day, not just a pre-determined party list. This would improve accountability to the voters and resolve many of the shortcomings in the current methods of candidate selection.

Israel needs a nuanced doctrine for Haredi policing: consistent enforcement against violence and obstruction; disciplined restraint in the use of force; distinctions between extremists and the broader Haredi public; and direct police service to Haredi citizens who need help.

Dr. Tammy Hoffman, Head of IDI's Education Policy Program, spoke with Kan Radio about a new survey exploring the attitudes, perceptions, and political engagement of young adults who will be eligible to vote for the first time in the upcoming elections. She shared key findings on their intention and motivation to vote, whether they believe their vote can make a difference, and which issues they think the government should prioritize.

This survey is part of a broader study. Research team: Dr. Tammy Hoffman, Daphna Cahana-Dolev, Meital Baron, and Dani Gigi.

Thirty years ago this week, on June 18, 1996, MK Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as Israeli Prime Minister for the first time. Since then, he served a cumulative total of nearly 19 years in office. This makes him one of the longest-serving leaders in the democratic nations.

44% of Israelis think Israel's security is a central consideration for President Trump, representing a sharp decline from the last measurement. 61% of Israelis think Prime Minister Netanyahu should not run in the upcoming Knesset elections; 35% think he should.

Dr. Tehilla Shwartz Altshuler, Head of IDI’s Democracy in the Digital Age Program, joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on the Times of Israel weekly podcast, What Matters Now. They discuss how various actors can use AI to flood the public sphere with confusion and disinformation, the potential impact this can have in an election year, and key policy and regulatory steps that can be taken to ensure Israel's democracy is prepared for the AI-era.

IDI President Yohanan Plesner and Prof. Tamar Hermann, Academic Director of IDI's Viterbi Family Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research, join Dr. Natan Sachs from the Middle East Institute to discuss Israel’s upcoming elections, why they are viewed as especially consequential, the role of Arab parties in future coalitions, and what might change under a different government.

Shlomit Ravitsky Tur-Paz, Director of the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center for Shared Society and Head of the Religion and State Program at IDI, spoke with Kan English Radio about the growing challenge of Haredi integration as Israel’s ultra-Orthodox population continues to grow, inequalities in subsidies and military service, and the policies Israel’s government must adopt to ensure better and more equal integration of the Haredi community into Israeli society.

How is the state comptroller elected? What are the comptroller’s powers, whom does the comptroller audit, and to what extent can they actually influence decision-makers in practice? Here is what you need to know.

A special survey released ahead of the Israel Democracy Institute's Eli Hurvitz Conference, 2026.

The institution of the attorney general is one of the few checks on government power in Israel. Legislation making its way through Knesset would effectively remove the constitutional functions of the office to safeguard the rule of law in Israel's democratic system.

This is an executive summary of a study published in Hebrew and presented at IDI's Eli Hurvitz Conference.

Four key issues are expected to take center stage in Israel's 2026 elections, representing a referendum on the future of the country's democratic character, the balance between religion and state, and the question of a liberal civic consensus in an era of unprecedented polarization.

On Shavuot, Jewish tradition celebrates the story of Ruth, emphasizing choice, loyalty, and belonging as the central qualities shaping the boundaries of the Jewish community. A proposed amendment to the Law of Return would go against this spirit – everything you need to know about the bill and the history on the issue.

Dr. Gilad Malach, Research Fellow at IDI’s Ultra-Orthodox in Israel Program, spoke with Kan English Radio’s Mark Weiss about recent efforts by the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party, an ultra-Orthodox faction in Netanyahu’s coalition, to dissolve the Knesset and trigger early parliamentary elections after the coalition failed to pass legislation exempting ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students from military service.

What is the process and timing involved in dissolving Knesset and initiating elections? What happens between a Knesset dissolution and the forming of a new government? Is Israel's process typical compared to other countries? All your questions answered about dissolving Israeli Knesset.

When and why was the Advisory Committee on Senior Civil Service Appointments established, what are its powers, and which appointments is it supposed to review? In light of the High Court hearing on petitions against the appointment of Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman as head of the Mossad, this explainer reviews the role and composition of the “Grunis Committee,” as well as the meaning of “integrity” in senior public appointments.

In response to claims that the Supreme Court tied the hands of the IDF along the Gaza border in the years leading up to the October 7 attacks, it must be stated clearly: these allegations are completely unfounded and serve as merely a pretext to avoid setting up a state commission of inquiry.

In the wake of the announcement by the director-general of the Central Elections Committee, Orly Adas, of her resignation: What is the role of the Committee, what is the role of the director-general, what is the significance of this resignation, and what challenges will need to be addressed?

64% of Jewish Israelis and 48.5% of Arab Israelis think ending the Iran war is not compatible with Israel's security interests. 51% of Israelis think the US administration has greater influence over Israel's defense decisions than the Israeli government. A plurality of Israelis believe settler violence against Palestinians is handled too leniently.

 

In the midst of fringe calls to violence that misrepresent the Lag B'Omer pilgrimage to Mount Meron, Haredi leadership ought to speak out for public responsibility and safety. Five years after the Meron crush disaster that left forty-five dead, protecting life is not a concession. It is a moral and religious imperative.

Everything you need to know about the structure and responsibilities of Israel's Knesset (parliament) and how national elections work in Israel.

On April 26, 2026, the High Court of Justice ordered the government to take measures to enforce the draft of ultra-Orthodox men into the IDF. This includes both the withholding of certain state benefits and the imposition of criminal proceedings for draft evaders.

Former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid announced a joint run of the "Bennett 2026" and Yesh Atid parties in the 2026 election. It is certainly possible that we will see additional joint runs like these ahead of the elections, for example, within the center bloc, the right-wing bloc, and among the Arab parties. The assumption is that such a run would benefit the parties and the bloc. But is this assumption correct?

Hungary's incoming prime minister declared his intention to institute term limits for the prime minister – an exceptional move for a parliament. While similar ideas have been proposed in Israel, term limits are not a substitute for strong democratic institutions based on oversight and checks and balances.

Nadav Dagan (PhD), Senior Researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute and Research Fellow at the Minerva Center (University of Haifa), together with Daphne Benvenisty, a researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute, join the Minerva Center for the Rule of Law under Extreme Conditions at the University of Haifa, for a seminar where they present findings from their comparative study on Autocratization and States of Emergency. Their study presents a show a clear link between the use of 'states of emergency' and accelerated erosion or dismantling of democracy, and autocratic consolidation.

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the High Court of Justice heard petitions filed against the continuation of MK Itamar Ben-Gvir’s term as minister of national security, against the background of allegations of his improper involvement in the activities of the Israel Police and violations of its professional independence. The hearing was an expanded panel of nine justices.

Against the backdrop of the bills currently under consideration in the Knesset, which are intended to split the role of the Attorney General, IDI experts explain what is at stake.

 

 

 

 

For years, Orbán’s leadership model served as proof of concept for populist leaders that liberal democracy could be dismantled gradually, legally, and with public support. His defeat could have an impact far beyond the borders of Hungary.

For the first time in history, it is possible to turn an old photograph into a living video and to generate a voice that sounds exactly like a lost loved one. If digital tools can reconstruct and fill in our memories, they are also capable of rewriting them.

The discourse around the impact of AI on the labor market tends to be centered on forecasts of how many jobs will be lost due to AI. The future is indeed uncertain, but this debate misses the mark. We now have a clearer view of what is already happening in Israel's labor market (as of 2025) that should shift the debate towards how to prepare and equip the labor market and education system for the changes that are unfolding. The answer to preparedness lies in human capital and a holistic economic approach.

49% of Jewish Israelis say Israel's strategic and security situation is better than before the war with Iran, while among Arabs, 49% say it is worse. 92% of Jews gave the IDF a high rating on their management of the war; only 38% gave the government high ratings. Among Arabs, 34.5% gave the IDF high ratings; only 10% gave the government high ratings.

Dr. Amir Fuchs, Senior Researcher at IDI's Center for Democratic Values and Institutions, joins Israeli journalist Yonit Levi and British journalist Jonathan Freedland on their podcast "Unholy: Two Jews on the News," to discuss the controversial death penalty bill that recently passed in Israel's Knesset. He explains what the new law contains, who it targets, and whether it is likely to be struck down by the courts.

A "special state of emergency" has been applied over the years due to security crises, the COVID pandemic, and now the war with Iran. How does this affect the regulation of the courts and the power of the Minister of Justice?

Over three-quarters of the Jewish public supports continuing the war, while among Arabs, only 19% support it – this marks a decline in both publics since the first week of the war. Among both Jews and Arabs, Operation Roaring Lion has improved assessments of the level of solidarity in Israeli society as a whole. Both Jews and Arabs think that Iran’s resilience has proven to be somewhat stronger or much stronger than anticipated by the operation’s planners.

A bill seeking to expand the powers of religious courts and to allow them to arbitrate in civil disputes passed into law. What does the law say, what are the implications for fundamental rights, and is it possible to ensure that arbitration is entered into voluntarily by all parties?

In Haredi society, the question of whether or not to follow IDF Home Front Command instructions can sometimes be far from straightforward. The Haredi leadership needs to speak up clearly and uniformly and call for full obedience to these instructions.

The decision for Knesset to advance highly controversial legislation during the war with Iran, and under a special home front situation, risks undermining proper legislative processes, impeding public debate on the issues, and hindering the ability of elected officials to address urgent war-related matters.

The cyberattacks we have seen since the beginning of the conflict with Iran are a reminder that the digital front of the war is not marginal. Now is the time to implement cyber regulations that can help protect the business community and civilian infrastructure. 

Learn the basics of how the votes Israelis cast on election day are counted and turned into seats in Israel's Knesset.

 

The Pardons Department in the Ministry of Justice writes that they cannot determine the President of the State has the authority to pardon Prime Minister Netanyahu, nor can they recommend the extraordinary and far-reaching step of doing so.

A majority of Jews (82%) and just over one-half of Arabs (52%) think that the interests of the US and Israel are very strongly or fairly strongly aligned in the joint operation in Iran. Around 70% of Jews think that Iran’s nuclear project and the threat of ballistic missiles can be eliminated. A smaller, though still large, share (61%) believes that the regime of the ayatollahs can be overthrown; Arabs are more pessimistic - just over a quarter, but less than a third, think that each of these goals can be achieved.

The draft exemption bill has been “set aside” for now, and it appears increasingly unlikely that the (non-)conscription law will be finalized in the current Knesset. This explainer reviews the history of the bill, explains the manner in which the existing law is expected to be enforced, and assesses the chances of the government passing an exemption law after the war is over but before the upcoming election. 

Just before the launch of the war, 53% of Jews and 29% of Arabs supported direct military involvement with the US in an attack against Iran, while 41% of Jews and 58.5% of Arabs supported responding only in the event of a direct Iranian attack against Israel. After Operation Roaring Lion was launched, in close coordination with the US, the overwhelming majority of Jews (93%) and minority of Arabs (26%) supported it.

The impressive improvement in women's representation in the Knesset that was seen between 1999 and 2015 has halted in the past decade. This is true in government as well, where the representation of women is actually regressing rather than improving compared to the previous government, and is particularly low compared to other democracies.

What are the implications of declaring a “special home front situation,” and what powers does such a declaration confer to Israeli authorities? What rights do citizens have in areas regarding which such a declaration has been made? What’s the difference between a “special home front situation” and the ongoing “emergency situation” that has long been in force in Israel? This article explains these issues, and more.

What can we learn from South Korea, India, Hungary, Venezuela, and Turkey? Findings from a comparative study show a clear link between the use of 'states of emergency' and accelerated erosion or dismantling of democracy, and autocratic consolidation.

All your questions answered about the "Western Wall Law" under debate this week, the religious, political, and judicial background that led to the present situation, and where we might go from here in this core question of the balance of religion and state in Israel.

The regression in women’s representation in Israel is not a decree of fate but the result of political choices, and precisely in an election period, parties have a real opportunity to reverse this trend.

Research into the government's key discounted housing program, which takes place through national lottery rounds, finds shifting patterns of the government's prioritization by geography and population group.

A reform that introduces a personalized component to Israel's elections would strengthen voter influence, enhance accountability of those voted into power, and improve Israel's democratic system.

Professor Karnit Flug, former Governor of the Bank of Israel from 2013 to 2018, and William Davidson Senior Fellow for Economic Policy at IDI's Center for Governance and the Economy, joined Amichai Magen, a Senior Research Scholar at Stanford's Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL) and the founding director of the center's Jan Koum Israel Studies Program. After two years of war and growing international challenges, where is the Israeli economy now, and where might it be going? 

Israel's decline in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, though moderate as of now, points to a concerning trend, especially taken together with recent IDI survey findings on the topic. But steps can be taken to restore norms and strengthen institutions that combat corruption.

Advancing civic readiness in the Arab education and informal education systems would help empower young Arab Israelis and steer them away from criminal organizations.

IDI experts argue for a universal obligation to serve, as opposed to the model of the latest "conscription" bill, which would be harmful to Israel's security and social solidarity. However, if the present legislation does move forward, the points presented here would mitigate the harm in the proposed bill.

Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement would undermine Israeli companies’ ability to meet the environmental standards of their trade partners, which could impact the entire economy.

The following is an executive summary and key findings from a full study, which can be found in Hebrew here.

44% of the total sample supports direct military involvement in a potential US attack on Iran while 50% support participating only if Israel is attacked by Iran. The largest share (49%) think that Israel’s security will be harmed by reduced military aid from the US, down to zero, while 39.5% think it will not be harmed. Rise in optimism for the future of all four topics: democratic rule, national security, economy, and social cohesion.

 

A fabricated AI-generated image of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid posted on the Likud's social media accounts is a clear demonstration of a dangerous new form of election propaganda. Urgent steps must be taken to prohibit the use of such materials against one's political opponents.

First chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Second chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Third chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Fourth chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Fifth chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Sixth chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Why is the Knesset automatically dissolved if the budget is not approved? When was this rule established, and when was the last time elections were brought forward due to the failure to pass the state budget? All the answers.

Israel is entering a pivotal election year—its first since the judicial overhaul and the war that began on October 7, 2023. Throughout the year, IDI is asking its experts which issues will shape the election campaign. IDI President Yohanan Plesner is watching three key areas: national security, including efforts to advance regional stability and examine the failures surrounding October 7; ultra-Orthodox conscription, given the IDF’s manpower needs and the post-war reality; and Israel’s democratic character, as questions surrounding the rule of law and checks and balances return to the center of the public agenda.

Torah study is a cornerstone of Jewish heritage and is worthy of support. The Basic Law that has passed in Knesset, however, could have implications for the principle of equality, the constitutional status of a Basic law and indeed, the world of Torah itself.

The decision has been made for Knesset elections to take place, as scheduled, on October 27, 2026, marking the first election in Israel since 1988 in which Knesset has completed its full term. Indeed, Israel ranks as the country with the second-most frequent elections out of OECD parliamentary democracies.

Chapter 4 of the 2024 Arab Society Statistical Report.

The first of four chapters in the 2024 Arab Society Statistical Report. 

The second chapter of four from the Arab society 2023 statistical report. 

Chapter 3 of 4 of the 2024 Arab Society Statistical Report.

The legislation would largely repeal reforms passed in 2021, restoring the Chief Rabbinate’s centralized role over kosher certification, reducing competition and limiting religious choice.

The latest proposal would undermine the binding force of the Attorney General’s legal opinions and abolish the AG's exclusive authority to decide whether to permit the government separate legal representation, removing two of the main tools that enable the institution to safeguard the rule of law.

The Supreme Court belatedly finds refusal to allow ICRC visits to Palestinian prisoners a blatant violation of Israeli and international law.

28% of Israelis think Israel's security is a central consideration for President Trump, down from 44% last month. 72% of Israelis think Israel should maintain a permanent security zone in South Lebanon. A plurality (50.5%) of Israelis think it is inappropriate to advance legislation with a substantive impact on Israel's system so close to elections.

In light of the government's announcement that an interim order issued by the Supreme Court does not have binding force, the question arising in this case goes beyond the matter of the Second Authority and touches on the foundations of Israel’s democratic system of government.

The establishment of a politicized commission of inquiry into the failures of October 7, as in the legislation currently making its way through Knesset, would harm the ability to uncover the truth and the Israeli publics' ability to heal.

Legislation that would give the study of Torah constitutional status may lead to a situation in which, given limited resources, the state might prioritize Torah study over the acquisition of skills needed for the modern labor market and a thriving economy.

What does this legislation include? Why is it being legislated now, of all times? Is it constitutional? And how will it affect Haredi conscription? Everything you need to know.

This review demonstrates a clear correlation between religious self-definition and voting in elections. The further one moves toward the secular end of the continuum between Haredim and secular Jews, the greater the likelihood of voting for a political camp currently identified with the opposition, and vice versa.

A semi-open ballot system would give voters the chance to express preference for particular candidates on election day, not just a pre-determined party list. This would improve accountability to the voters and resolve many of the shortcomings in the current methods of candidate selection.

Israel needs a nuanced doctrine for Haredi policing: consistent enforcement against violence and obstruction; disciplined restraint in the use of force; distinctions between extremists and the broader Haredi public; and direct police service to Haredi citizens who need help.

Dr. Tammy Hoffman, Head of IDI's Education Policy Program, spoke with Kan Radio about a new survey exploring the attitudes, perceptions, and political engagement of young adults who will be eligible to vote for the first time in the upcoming elections. She shared key findings on their intention and motivation to vote, whether they believe their vote can make a difference, and which issues they think the government should prioritize.

This survey is part of a broader study. Research team: Dr. Tammy Hoffman, Daphna Cahana-Dolev, Meital Baron, and Dani Gigi.

Thirty years ago this week, on June 18, 1996, MK Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as Israeli Prime Minister for the first time. Since then, he served a cumulative total of nearly 19 years in office. This makes him one of the longest-serving leaders in the democratic nations.

44% of Israelis think Israel's security is a central consideration for President Trump, representing a sharp decline from the last measurement. 61% of Israelis think Prime Minister Netanyahu should not run in the upcoming Knesset elections; 35% think he should.

Dr. Tehilla Shwartz Altshuler, Head of IDI’s Democracy in the Digital Age Program, joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on the Times of Israel weekly podcast, What Matters Now. They discuss how various actors can use AI to flood the public sphere with confusion and disinformation, the potential impact this can have in an election year, and key policy and regulatory steps that can be taken to ensure Israel's democracy is prepared for the AI-era.

IDI President Yohanan Plesner and Prof. Tamar Hermann, Academic Director of IDI's Viterbi Family Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research, join Dr. Natan Sachs from the Middle East Institute to discuss Israel’s upcoming elections, why they are viewed as especially consequential, the role of Arab parties in future coalitions, and what might change under a different government.

Shlomit Ravitsky Tur-Paz, Director of the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center for Shared Society and Head of the Religion and State Program at IDI, spoke with Kan English Radio about the growing challenge of Haredi integration as Israel’s ultra-Orthodox population continues to grow, inequalities in subsidies and military service, and the policies Israel’s government must adopt to ensure better and more equal integration of the Haredi community into Israeli society.

How is the state comptroller elected? What are the comptroller’s powers, whom does the comptroller audit, and to what extent can they actually influence decision-makers in practice? Here is what you need to know.

A special survey released ahead of the Israel Democracy Institute's Eli Hurvitz Conference, 2026.

The institution of the attorney general is one of the few checks on government power in Israel. Legislation making its way through Knesset would effectively remove the constitutional functions of the office to safeguard the rule of law in Israel's democratic system.

This is an executive summary of a study published in Hebrew and presented at IDI's Eli Hurvitz Conference.

Four key issues are expected to take center stage in Israel's 2026 elections, representing a referendum on the future of the country's democratic character, the balance between religion and state, and the question of a liberal civic consensus in an era of unprecedented polarization.

On Shavuot, Jewish tradition celebrates the story of Ruth, emphasizing choice, loyalty, and belonging as the central qualities shaping the boundaries of the Jewish community. A proposed amendment to the Law of Return would go against this spirit – everything you need to know about the bill and the history on the issue.

Dr. Gilad Malach, Research Fellow at IDI’s Ultra-Orthodox in Israel Program, spoke with Kan English Radio’s Mark Weiss about recent efforts by the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party, an ultra-Orthodox faction in Netanyahu’s coalition, to dissolve the Knesset and trigger early parliamentary elections after the coalition failed to pass legislation exempting ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students from military service.

What is the process and timing involved in dissolving Knesset and initiating elections? What happens between a Knesset dissolution and the forming of a new government? Is Israel's process typical compared to other countries? All your questions answered about dissolving Israeli Knesset.

When and why was the Advisory Committee on Senior Civil Service Appointments established, what are its powers, and which appointments is it supposed to review? In light of the High Court hearing on petitions against the appointment of Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman as head of the Mossad, this explainer reviews the role and composition of the “Grunis Committee,” as well as the meaning of “integrity” in senior public appointments.

In response to claims that the Supreme Court tied the hands of the IDF along the Gaza border in the years leading up to the October 7 attacks, it must be stated clearly: these allegations are completely unfounded and serve as merely a pretext to avoid setting up a state commission of inquiry.

In the wake of the announcement by the director-general of the Central Elections Committee, Orly Adas, of her resignation: What is the role of the Committee, what is the role of the director-general, what is the significance of this resignation, and what challenges will need to be addressed?

64% of Jewish Israelis and 48.5% of Arab Israelis think ending the Iran war is not compatible with Israel's security interests. 51% of Israelis think the US administration has greater influence over Israel's defense decisions than the Israeli government. A plurality of Israelis believe settler violence against Palestinians is handled too leniently.

 

In the midst of fringe calls to violence that misrepresent the Lag B'Omer pilgrimage to Mount Meron, Haredi leadership ought to speak out for public responsibility and safety. Five years after the Meron crush disaster that left forty-five dead, protecting life is not a concession. It is a moral and religious imperative.

Everything you need to know about the structure and responsibilities of Israel's Knesset (parliament) and how national elections work in Israel.

On April 26, 2026, the High Court of Justice ordered the government to take measures to enforce the draft of ultra-Orthodox men into the IDF. This includes both the withholding of certain state benefits and the imposition of criminal proceedings for draft evaders.

Former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid announced a joint run of the "Bennett 2026" and Yesh Atid parties in the 2026 election. It is certainly possible that we will see additional joint runs like these ahead of the elections, for example, within the center bloc, the right-wing bloc, and among the Arab parties. The assumption is that such a run would benefit the parties and the bloc. But is this assumption correct?

Hungary's incoming prime minister declared his intention to institute term limits for the prime minister – an exceptional move for a parliament. While similar ideas have been proposed in Israel, term limits are not a substitute for strong democratic institutions based on oversight and checks and balances.

Nadav Dagan (PhD), Senior Researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute and Research Fellow at the Minerva Center (University of Haifa), together with Daphne Benvenisty, a researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute, join the Minerva Center for the Rule of Law under Extreme Conditions at the University of Haifa, for a seminar where they present findings from their comparative study on Autocratization and States of Emergency. Their study presents a show a clear link between the use of 'states of emergency' and accelerated erosion or dismantling of democracy, and autocratic consolidation.

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the High Court of Justice heard petitions filed against the continuation of MK Itamar Ben-Gvir’s term as minister of national security, against the background of allegations of his improper involvement in the activities of the Israel Police and violations of its professional independence. The hearing was an expanded panel of nine justices.

Against the backdrop of the bills currently under consideration in the Knesset, which are intended to split the role of the Attorney General, IDI experts explain what is at stake.

 

 

 

 

For years, Orbán’s leadership model served as proof of concept for populist leaders that liberal democracy could be dismantled gradually, legally, and with public support. His defeat could have an impact far beyond the borders of Hungary.

For the first time in history, it is possible to turn an old photograph into a living video and to generate a voice that sounds exactly like a lost loved one. If digital tools can reconstruct and fill in our memories, they are also capable of rewriting them.

The discourse around the impact of AI on the labor market tends to be centered on forecasts of how many jobs will be lost due to AI. The future is indeed uncertain, but this debate misses the mark. We now have a clearer view of what is already happening in Israel's labor market (as of 2025) that should shift the debate towards how to prepare and equip the labor market and education system for the changes that are unfolding. The answer to preparedness lies in human capital and a holistic economic approach.

49% of Jewish Israelis say Israel's strategic and security situation is better than before the war with Iran, while among Arabs, 49% say it is worse. 92% of Jews gave the IDF a high rating on their management of the war; only 38% gave the government high ratings. Among Arabs, 34.5% gave the IDF high ratings; only 10% gave the government high ratings.

Dr. Amir Fuchs, Senior Researcher at IDI's Center for Democratic Values and Institutions, joins Israeli journalist Yonit Levi and British journalist Jonathan Freedland on their podcast "Unholy: Two Jews on the News," to discuss the controversial death penalty bill that recently passed in Israel's Knesset. He explains what the new law contains, who it targets, and whether it is likely to be struck down by the courts.

A "special state of emergency" has been applied over the years due to security crises, the COVID pandemic, and now the war with Iran. How does this affect the regulation of the courts and the power of the Minister of Justice?

Over three-quarters of the Jewish public supports continuing the war, while among Arabs, only 19% support it – this marks a decline in both publics since the first week of the war. Among both Jews and Arabs, Operation Roaring Lion has improved assessments of the level of solidarity in Israeli society as a whole. Both Jews and Arabs think that Iran’s resilience has proven to be somewhat stronger or much stronger than anticipated by the operation’s planners.

A bill seeking to expand the powers of religious courts and to allow them to arbitrate in civil disputes passed into law. What does the law say, what are the implications for fundamental rights, and is it possible to ensure that arbitration is entered into voluntarily by all parties?

In Haredi society, the question of whether or not to follow IDF Home Front Command instructions can sometimes be far from straightforward. The Haredi leadership needs to speak up clearly and uniformly and call for full obedience to these instructions.

The decision for Knesset to advance highly controversial legislation during the war with Iran, and under a special home front situation, risks undermining proper legislative processes, impeding public debate on the issues, and hindering the ability of elected officials to address urgent war-related matters.

The cyberattacks we have seen since the beginning of the conflict with Iran are a reminder that the digital front of the war is not marginal. Now is the time to implement cyber regulations that can help protect the business community and civilian infrastructure. 

Learn the basics of how the votes Israelis cast on election day are counted and turned into seats in Israel's Knesset.

 

The Pardons Department in the Ministry of Justice writes that they cannot determine the President of the State has the authority to pardon Prime Minister Netanyahu, nor can they recommend the extraordinary and far-reaching step of doing so.

A majority of Jews (82%) and just over one-half of Arabs (52%) think that the interests of the US and Israel are very strongly or fairly strongly aligned in the joint operation in Iran. Around 70% of Jews think that Iran’s nuclear project and the threat of ballistic missiles can be eliminated. A smaller, though still large, share (61%) believes that the regime of the ayatollahs can be overthrown; Arabs are more pessimistic - just over a quarter, but less than a third, think that each of these goals can be achieved.

The draft exemption bill has been “set aside” for now, and it appears increasingly unlikely that the (non-)conscription law will be finalized in the current Knesset. This explainer reviews the history of the bill, explains the manner in which the existing law is expected to be enforced, and assesses the chances of the government passing an exemption law after the war is over but before the upcoming election. 

Just before the launch of the war, 53% of Jews and 29% of Arabs supported direct military involvement with the US in an attack against Iran, while 41% of Jews and 58.5% of Arabs supported responding only in the event of a direct Iranian attack against Israel. After Operation Roaring Lion was launched, in close coordination with the US, the overwhelming majority of Jews (93%) and minority of Arabs (26%) supported it.

The impressive improvement in women's representation in the Knesset that was seen between 1999 and 2015 has halted in the past decade. This is true in government as well, where the representation of women is actually regressing rather than improving compared to the previous government, and is particularly low compared to other democracies.

What are the implications of declaring a “special home front situation,” and what powers does such a declaration confer to Israeli authorities? What rights do citizens have in areas regarding which such a declaration has been made? What’s the difference between a “special home front situation” and the ongoing “emergency situation” that has long been in force in Israel? This article explains these issues, and more.

What can we learn from South Korea, India, Hungary, Venezuela, and Turkey? Findings from a comparative study show a clear link between the use of 'states of emergency' and accelerated erosion or dismantling of democracy, and autocratic consolidation.

All your questions answered about the "Western Wall Law" under debate this week, the religious, political, and judicial background that led to the present situation, and where we might go from here in this core question of the balance of religion and state in Israel.

The regression in women’s representation in Israel is not a decree of fate but the result of political choices, and precisely in an election period, parties have a real opportunity to reverse this trend.

Research into the government's key discounted housing program, which takes place through national lottery rounds, finds shifting patterns of the government's prioritization by geography and population group.

A reform that introduces a personalized component to Israel's elections would strengthen voter influence, enhance accountability of those voted into power, and improve Israel's democratic system.

Professor Karnit Flug, former Governor of the Bank of Israel from 2013 to 2018, and William Davidson Senior Fellow for Economic Policy at IDI's Center for Governance and the Economy, joined Amichai Magen, a Senior Research Scholar at Stanford's Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL) and the founding director of the center's Jan Koum Israel Studies Program. After two years of war and growing international challenges, where is the Israeli economy now, and where might it be going? 

Israel's decline in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, though moderate as of now, points to a concerning trend, especially taken together with recent IDI survey findings on the topic. But steps can be taken to restore norms and strengthen institutions that combat corruption.

Advancing civic readiness in the Arab education and informal education systems would help empower young Arab Israelis and steer them away from criminal organizations.

IDI experts argue for a universal obligation to serve, as opposed to the model of the latest "conscription" bill, which would be harmful to Israel's security and social solidarity. However, if the present legislation does move forward, the points presented here would mitigate the harm in the proposed bill.

Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement would undermine Israeli companies’ ability to meet the environmental standards of their trade partners, which could impact the entire economy.

The following is an executive summary and key findings from a full study, which can be found in Hebrew here.

44% of the total sample supports direct military involvement in a potential US attack on Iran while 50% support participating only if Israel is attacked by Iran. The largest share (49%) think that Israel’s security will be harmed by reduced military aid from the US, down to zero, while 39.5% think it will not be harmed. Rise in optimism for the future of all four topics: democratic rule, national security, economy, and social cohesion.

 

A fabricated AI-generated image of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid posted on the Likud's social media accounts is a clear demonstration of a dangerous new form of election propaganda. Urgent steps must be taken to prohibit the use of such materials against one's political opponents.

First chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Second chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Third chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Fourth chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Fifth chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Sixth chapter of six of the 'Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel'

Why is the Knesset automatically dissolved if the budget is not approved? When was this rule established, and when was the last time elections were brought forward due to the failure to pass the state budget? All the answers.

Israel is entering a pivotal election year—its first since the judicial overhaul and the war that began on October 7, 2023. Throughout the year, IDI is asking its experts which issues will shape the election campaign. IDI President Yohanan Plesner is watching three key areas: national security, including efforts to advance regional stability and examine the failures surrounding October 7; ultra-Orthodox conscription, given the IDF’s manpower needs and the post-war reality; and Israel’s democratic character, as questions surrounding the rule of law and checks and balances return to the center of the public agenda.