From the Liveblog of
Monday, January 5, 2026
Netanyahu, Lapid set to face off in opposition-called Knesset debate
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleAriela Karmel is a political correspondent at The Times of Israel. She previously reported for Calcalist and Haaretz. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern and African History from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will soon deliver remarks during a so-called 40-signature debate in the Knesset.
The opposition can call for such a Knesset discussion once a month by submitting a request with 40 Knesset members’ signatures, legally obligating the premier to attend. It is usually called to discuss criticism of the government, its policies and its legislative agenda.
Knesset members are currently delivering three-minute speeches in the Knesset plenum, concluding with Netanyahu and then Opposition Leader Yair Lapid.
Today’s debate, initiated by Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party, is titled “The extremist government acting contrary to the Zionist majority and harming national cohesion and the core values of the State of Israel” — referring to its efforts to pass a law formalizing large-scale exemptions from military service for ultra-Orthodox men.
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