ISRAEL POLICE RECRUITMENT: The number of Arab citizens, particularly Muslims, joining the Israel Police has fallen sharply during Itamar Ben-Gvir's four years as national security minister, even as overall police recruitment has increased.

According to data from Israel's Ministry of National Security and the Israel Police, 135 Muslims joined the force in 2022, rising to 165 in 2023, before falling to 143 in 2024 and 96 in 2025.

The decline also extends to other Arab communities. Arab Christian recruitment fell from 48 recruits in 2022 to 12 in 2025, while Bedouin recruitment remained very low, dropping from six recruits in 2022 to two in 2025.

The figures stand out against a broader increase in police recruitment, with thousands of new officers reportedly joining the force in recent years.

Officials have pointed to changes in recruitment requirements, including minimum aptitude scores and Hebrew-language requirements. A previous policy had allowed some Arab candidates to meet different requirements aimed at increasing representation, but that policy was abolished after Ben-Gvir took office.

ISRAEL: Muslim Recruits Fall From 165 To 96 |Ben-Gvir Faces Questions Over Arab Representation

ISRAEL POLICE RECRUITMENT: The number of Muslim citizens joining the Israel Police has fallen sharply during the four years of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, even as overall police recruitment has increased.

According to figures cited from Israel’s Ministry of National Security and Israel Police, 135 Muslims joined the force in 2022, rising to 165 in 2023 before falling to 143 in 2024 and 96 in 2025.

The decline has also affected other Arab communities. Arab Christian recruitment reportedly fell from 48 recruits in 2022 to just 12 in 2025, while Bedouin recruitment dropped from six to two over the same period.

Officials have attributed the decline to changes in recruitment requirements, including minimum aptitude scores and Hebrew-language requirements. A previous policy that allowed some Arab candidates to meet different requirements was abolished after Ben-Gvir took office.

The figures come amid continuing concerns over violence in Arab communities in Israel. Ben-Gvir’s office has rejected criticism and highlighted the broader increase in police recruitment during his tenure.

Israel Police Recruitment: Muslim Numbers Fall Sharply Under Ben-Gvir As Overall Police Hiring Rises

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a highly unusual closed-door meeting at the White House, sparking intense speculation over the future of the Iran conflict.

Unlike previous meetings, there were no public remarks or joint press interactions before the talks. The White House released photographs only after the 90-minute meeting, raising questions about what was discussed behind closed doors.

Trump-Netanyahu Meeting: What's Really Changing on Iran?

#Gravitas Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to have narrowed the gap with his main challenger in the race for public support for the 2026 national elections.  A poll shows Netanyahu and former Israel Defence Forces chief Gadi Eisenkot tied, with 38 percent of respondents saying they would prefer each of them to lead the country.   

Netanyahu's Poll Numbers Rise Amid Internal Turmoil

Israel's political landscape is entering a crucial phase as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces one of the toughest elections of his career. With Knesset elections approaching, questions are mounting over whether Netanyahu can retain power or if Israel is on the verge of a major political transition.

The report examines how the recent war, shifting public opinion, strained perceptions of Netanyahu's relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, and the rise of challenger Gadi Eisenkot are reshaping Israel's political battlefield.

 The Verdict: Netanyahu's Political Future Is a Grim One | Wion News 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined the core principles for a proposed unity government, signalling an effort to build broader political consensus amid mounting domestic and regional challenges. The move comes at a critical moment for Israel's political future.

Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu sets out core principles for a unity government

As questions within Israel mount over Washington's new peace deal with Iran and its implications for Israel's security, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling Likud party has reportedly decided to drop plans to campaign on the Israeli leader's ties with U.S. President Donald Trump. 


Has Netanyahu Lost His Trump Advantage? Iran Deal Sparks Political Turmoil For Netanyahu

After Israel launched a ‘preemptive strike’ on Iran, Iranian supreme leader Khamenei has vowed ‘harsh punishment’ for Israel after Friday's attack killed several Iranian top commanders and scientists. "The Zionist regime at dawn today extended its vile and bloody hand to commit a crime in our dear country and revealed its evil nature more than ever by striking residential centers," Khamenei said in a statement to the Iranian people.&nbsp;"The regime must expect harsh punishment. The powerful hand of the Islamic Republic's armed forces will not let it go, God willing," he added.&nbsp;Khamenei confirmed that "several commanders and scientists were martyred" in the attacks, saying their successors would "immediately continue their duties."&nbsp;"With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared a bitter and painful fate for itself and will certainly receive it," the Supreme Leader said.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces have also vowed “strong response” to Israel’s early morning strikes that targeted its military bases and nuclear facilities.&nbsp;“The armed forces will certainly respond to this Zionist attack,” said Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesman for the general staff of the armed forces, adding that Israel “will pay a heavy price and should await strong response from the Iranian armed forces.”&nbsp;Senior Revolutionary Guards commander Gholam Ali Rashid and top nuclear scientists were killed in Israel's attack on Iran on Friday, Iranian media reported.&nbsp;"The martyrdom of... Major General Gholam Ali Rashid is confirmed," state television said, while Tasnim news agency reported nuclear scientists Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi "were targeted and martyred".&nbsp;Iran also shut its airspace until further notice after Israel carried out air strikes on multiple targets across the country, including the capital, Tehran, state TV reported.&nbsp;"Public relations of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization announced the closure of the country's airspace until further notice by issuing aeronautical notices (NOTAM)," state TV reported.

Iranian leader Khamenei vows harsh punishment after Israel strikes nuclear facilities in Tehran

After Israel launched a ‘preemptive strike’ on Iran, Iranian supreme leader Khamenei has vowed ‘harsh punishment’ for Israel after Friday's attack killed several Iranian top commanders and scientists. "The Zionist regime at dawn today extended its vile and bloody hand to commit a crime in our dear country and revealed its evil nature more than ever by striking residential centers," Khamenei said in a statement to the Iranian people. "The regime must expect harsh punishment. The powerful hand of the Islamic Republic's armed forces will not let it go, God willing," he added. Khamenei confirmed that "several commanders and scientists were martyred" in the attacks, saying their successors would "immediately continue their duties." "With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared a bitter and painful fate for itself and will certainly receive it," the Supreme Leader said. Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces have also vowed “strong response” to Israel’s early morning strikes that targeted its military bases and nuclear facilities. “The armed forces will certainly respond to this Zionist attack,” said Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesman for the general staff of the armed forces, adding that Israel “will pay a heavy price and should await strong response from the Iranian armed forces.” Senior Revolutionary Guards commander Gholam Ali Rashid and top nuclear scientists were killed in Israel's attack on Iran on Friday, Iranian media reported. "The martyrdom of... Major General Gholam Ali Rashid is confirmed," state television said, while Tasnim news agency reported nuclear scientists Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi "were targeted and martyred". Iran also shut its airspace until further notice after Israel carried out air strikes on multiple targets across the country, including the capital, Tehran, state TV reported. "Public relations of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization announced the closure of the country's airspace until further notice by issuing aeronautical notices (NOTAM)," state TV reported.

The Israeli PM stressed that the goal of the operation is to strike Iran's nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile factories, and military capabilities

Iranian leader Khamenei vows 'harsh punishment' after Israel strikes nuclear facilities in Tehran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government narrowly survived as the motion to dissolve the Knesset was defeated by a margin of 61 to 53 on Thursday morning. However, political gridlock continues as some of his coalition members backed the opposition's motion.&nbsp;This was an intense moment in Israeli politics as the vote came in between growing infighting in the coalition. Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition, called Netanyahu ‘unfit to rule’. The major infighting surrounding a decade-old rule which exempted Ultra-radical right groups engaged in religious studies from compulsory military service.The United Torah Judaism and Shas parties were engaged in a slugfest with Likud over the draft proposal to enlist ultra-right radicals into the armed forces. The bill was gaining momentum in the pretext of Israel's war following the October 7 terror attack by Hamas. Israel has suffered its highest battlefield casualties and requires more troops.But a last-minute deal within Netanyahu’s government has preserved unity between the coalition. If the United Torah Judaism and Shas parties had voted unisonly, then the dissolution bill would have passed."I am pleased to announce that after long discussions we have reached agreements on the principles on which the draft law will be based", said Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee Yuli Edelstein.A preliminary vote to dissolve the Knesset must pass before the process for new elections can begin. With this motion failing, no new dissolution vote can be brought for six months, barring extraordinary developments.Knesset’s full term ends in October 2026. Out of the 120 seats, a majority of 61 is needed for the dissolution. Even though Netanyahu survived the difference is rajor thin and there had been growing discontent among the coalition over the draft bill. The political turmoil in Israel is far from over. Externally, Netanyahu and his ministers face charges of war crimes and have been indicted by the International Court of Justice. Netanyahu has dodged this attempt to unseat him with sheer resilience and wit that allowed him to call the bluff of United Torah Judaism and the Shas party, which were just trying to stir up a controversy to escape mandatory military service.Their constituencies have been given a lot of financial support and other privileges, and have very little to gain from a new election.

A motion to dissolve the Israeli parliament fell short on June 12, signalling continued political gridlock and growing public unease.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government narrowly survived as the motion to dissolve the Knesset was defeated by a margin of 61 to 53 on Thursday morning. However, political gridlock continues as some of his coalition members backed the opposition's motion. This was an intense moment in Israeli politics as the vote came in between growing infighting in the coalition. Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition, called Netanyahu ‘unfit to rule’. The major infighting surrounding a decade-old rule which exempted Ultra-radical right groups engaged in religious studies from compulsory military service. The United Torah Judaism and Shas parties were engaged in a slugfest with Likud over the draft proposal to enlist ultra-right radicals into the armed forces. The bill was gaining momentum in the pretext of Israel's war following the October 7 terror attack by Hamas. Israel has suffered its highest battlefield casualties and requires more troops. But a last-minute deal within Netanyahu’s government has preserved unity between the coalition. If the United Torah Judaism and Shas parties had voted unisonly, then the dissolution bill would have passed. "I am pleased to announce that after long discussions we have reached agreements on the principles on which the draft law will be based", said Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee Yuli Edelstein. A preliminary vote to dissolve the Knesset must pass before the process for new elections can begin. With this motion failing, no new dissolution vote can be brought for six months, barring extraordinary developments. Knesset’s full term ends in October 2026. Out of the 120 seats, a majority of 61 is needed for the dissolution. Even though Netanyahu survived the difference is rajor thin and there had been growing discontent among the coalition over the draft bill. The political turmoil in Israel is far from over. Externally, Netanyahu and his ministers face charges of war crimes and have been indicted by the International Court of Justice. Netanyahu has dodged this attempt to unseat him with sheer resilience and wit that allowed him to call the bluff of United Torah Judaism and the Shas party, which were just trying to stir up a controversy to escape mandatory military service. Their constituencies have been given a lot of financial support and other privileges, and have very little to gain from a new election.

A motion to dissolve the Israeli parliament fell short on June 12, signalling continued political gridlock and growing public unease.

Netanyahu survives for now: Opposition’s push to dissolve Knesset fails in key vote

Gideon Sa’ar, leader of Israel's New Hope Party, is set to return to the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said the two Israeli politicians in a joint press conference on Sunday (Sep 29) night.

Gideon Sa’ar, leader of Israel's New Hope Party, is set to return to the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said the two Israeli politicians in a joint press conference on Sunday (Sep 29) night. Netanyahu recalled the formation of the wartime coalition on October 11, 2023, following the Hamas attacks in southern Israel, saying, “When war broke out, I immediately set about establishing a broad and stable government. I greatly appreciated it when Benny Gantz and Gideon Sa’ar joined the government and I regretted it when they left.” “For this reason, I appreciate it that Gideon Sa’ar acceded to my request and agreed to return to the government today. This move contributes to unity among us, and unity against our enemies,” the Israeli PM said according to media reports. He also praised Sa’ar for his willingness to return, noting his "broad vision and ability to find creative solutions to complex challenges." Acknowledging past political differences, Netanyahu said, “It is no secret that we have had disagreements in the past but since October 7 we have put all the grudges of the past behind us.” Also read: Israeli airstrikes pound key Yemeni port after Houthis fire missiles at Israel Sa’ar, referring to the Hamas attack, said, “Believe me, beloved citizens of Israel, since the morning of Saturday, October 7, this is meaningless to me.” “In light of the current situation, and after consideration, I concluded that there is no point in me continuing to sit in the opposition, where the positions of most of its members on the subject of the war are different and even far removed from mine,” said Sa’ar. “Therefore I acceded to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s request to join the government and contribute to its work in decision-making forums with my experience and abilities. This is the patriotic and right thing to do now,” he added. Sa’ar will be joining as a minister without portfolio, reportedly having turned down an offer to serve as defence minister last week. There is speculation that Netanyahu may soon remove Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, with Sa’ar or another minister likely to take his place. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu brings political rival Gideon Sa’ar into government: 'Patriotic and right thing to do...'

In a historic first, all 15 justices on the High Court will hear the petitions against the recently passed “reasonableness law,” said the Israeli Supreme Court, on Monday (July 31). The key clause was recently passed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and is a part of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-opposition-leader-yair-lapid-calls-for-18-month-freeze-on-judicial-reforms-as-condition-for-talks-620830">contentious</a> judicial overhaul plan.

<h2>What did the Israeli top court say?</h2>

Israel’s Supreme Court said that all 15 judges in a historic first would take part in a hearing on arguments against the “reasonableness law”. The bill was passed a week ago&nbsp;in the Israeli parliament (Knesset) by the Netanyahu government, effectively curbing the top court’s power.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court agreed to discuss the petitions filed by Israeli civil society groups and others to strike down the bill ratified last week, on September 12. The court spokesperson confirming the hearing said it would mark the first time in the country’s history an extended bench would preside.

The top court also faces public pressure to strike down the recently passed law and appears to have opted for a full complement of judges because of the highly delicate nature of the matter. 
 
Week after week for nearly seven months since the judicial reform was first announced by the incumbent government, Israeli citizens have led massive protests across the country to stop the legislation. According to the critics, the reform will effectively remove checks on the executive’s authority and could lead to abuse&nbsp;of power.

<h2>Israel’s defence minister warns about mounting overhaul tensions</h2>

On Monday, Israel’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/netanyahu-fires-israeli-defence-minister-after-his-speech-called-for-halt-on-govts-proposed-legal-plan-576019">Defence Minister Yoav Gallant</a>, in a closed-door meeting of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, warned about the threat to national security over the government’s controversial overhaul plans.&nbsp;

Gallant said that “there is harm to national resilience that may lead to harm to national security,” according to a spokesperson of the committee, as quoted by the Times of Israel.&nbsp;

Additionally, he also said that while the military remained combat-ready in the face of mounting protests, there may be damage in the long term. This is after volunteer reservists warned they <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-mount-in-israel-as-army-reservists-threaten-to-refuse-duty-620697">will not</a> report for duty if the proposed overhaul is passed.&nbsp;

<h2> 
Netanyahu government’s passing of ‘reasonableness bill’</h2>

Last week, Netanyahu’s government <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-passes-controversial-judicial-reform-law-protesters-call-for-mass-rallies-618990">passed</a> the first part of a judicial overhaul in the Israeli parliament (Knesset) called the “reasonableness bill” which seeks to strip the top court of the power to declare government decisions unreasonable.

The key clause was passed with 64 votes in favour — mainly by lawmakers of the ruling coalition— and zero against it, as the entire 56-member opposition boycotted the vote in protest.

Since then, protesters have continued to ramp up pressure on the Netanyahu government and renewed their months-long nationwide demonstrations against the controversial overhaul of the country’s judiciary.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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In a historic first, all 15 justices on the High Court will hear the petitions against the recently passed “reasonableness law,” said the Israeli Supreme Court, on Monday (July 31).

In a historic first, all 15 justices on the High Court will hear the petitions against the recently passed “reasonableness law,” said the Israeli Supreme Court, on Monday (July 31). The key clause was recently passed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and is a part of the contentious judicial overhaul plan. What did the Israeli top court say? Israel’s Supreme Court said that all 15 judges in a historic first would take part in a hearing on arguments against the “reasonableness law”. The bill was passed a week ago in the Israeli parliament (Knesset) by the Netanyahu government, effectively curbing the top court’s power. The Supreme Court agreed to discuss the petitions filed by Israeli civil society groups and others to strike down the bill ratified last week, on September 12. The court spokesperson confirming the hearing said it would mark the first time in the country’s history an extended bench would preside. The top court also faces public pressure to strike down the recently passed law and appears to have opted for a full complement of judges because of the highly delicate nature of the matter. Week after week for nearly seven months since the judicial reform was first announced by the incumbent government, Israeli citizens have led massive protests across the country to stop the legislation. According to the critics, the reform will effectively remove checks on the executive’s authority and could lead to abuse of power. Israel’s defence minister warns about mounting overhaul tensions On Monday, Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in a closed-door meeting of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, warned about the threat to national security over the government’s controversial overhaul plans. Gallant said that “there is harm to national resilience that may lead to harm to national security,” according to a spokesperson of the committee, as quoted by the Times of Israel. Additionally, he also said that while the military remained combat-ready in the face of mounting protests, there may be damage in the long term. This is after volunteer reservists warned they will not report for duty if the proposed overhaul is passed. Netanyahu government’s passing of ‘reasonableness bill’ Last week, Netanyahu’s government passed the first part of a judicial overhaul in the Israeli parliament (Knesset) called the “reasonableness bill” which seeks to strip the top court of the power to declare government decisions unreasonable. The key clause was passed with 64 votes in favour — mainly by lawmakers of the ruling coalition— and zero against it, as the entire 56-member opposition boycotted the vote in protest. Since then, protesters have continued to ramp up pressure on the Netanyahu government and renewed their months-long nationwide demonstrations against the controversial overhaul of the country’s judiciary. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel: In a first, all 15 High Court justices to hear petitions against ‘reasonableness law’

Going ahead with the proposed judicial reforms could put an end to his political career, going back could be the end of his coalition. So, what will Israel's Prime Minister do? Listen in to Vikram Chandra.

Will Netanyahu's coalition collapse? | This World

Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as the prime minister of Israel on Thursday (December 29) after the parliament voted to approve his government with 63 voting in favour of the new government and 54 against it, out of the parliament's 120 members. It will be Netanyahu's sixth term as PM&nbsp;as he heads the 37th government of Israel.&nbsp;

The 73-year-old has made a comeback in politics after forming his government with the support of allies, including the Religious Zionism and Jewish Power parties after elections in November.&nbsp;

Eli Cohen, the former Israeli intelligence minister, became the foreign minister, with&nbsp;former minister Amir Ohana becoming the Knesset's speaker. Ohana is the first openly gay occupant of the post.&nbsp;

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🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1608469523774181377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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During his speech, Netanyahu presented the agenda to the Knesset plenum and outlined the objectives for his coalition: 1) stopping Iran’s nuclear programme, 2) developing state infrastructure, and 3) restoring internal security and governance to Israel. Netanyahu also said that he will work to tackle the rising cost of living and improve education.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Israeli left-wing and centrist activists gathered in front of the Knesset to protest against Netanyahu's new government.&nbsp;

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Today, outside the Knesset, ahead of the swearing in of the new government: In the name of Judaism - we came to defend democracy. To raise a voice against radicalization and incitement, racism and exclusion. Our fight will not dissipate or despair. <a href="https://t.co/TXsiRFbnA2">https://t.co/TXsiRFbnA2</a>
— ReformJudaismIsrael (@IsraelReform) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraelReform/status/1608390089968582658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In his farewell address as the PM, Yair Lapid said that he is passing on the change "with an unquiet heart". Mentioning the Abraham Accords, Lapid said,&nbsp;"We laid the foundations for Saudi joining the Abraham Accords."&nbsp;

He added, "The secret details will be handed to the incoming prime minister. If the new government continues in the route we carved out, normalisation with the Saudis can be reached in a short time."&nbsp;

United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco normalised relations with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords in 2020. Netanyahu seeks to expand it to Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

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Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as the prime minister of Israel on Thursday (December 29) after the parliament voted to approve his government with 63 voting in favour of the new government and 54 against it, out of the parliament's 120 members.

Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as the prime minister of Israel on Thursday (December 29) after the parliament voted to approve his government with 63 voting in favour of the new government and 54 against it, out of the parliament's 120 members. It will be Netanyahu's sixth term as PM as he heads the 37th government of Israel. The 73-year-old has made a comeback in politics after forming his government with the support of allies, including the Religious Zionism and Jewish Power parties after elections in November. Eli Cohen, the former Israeli intelligence minister, became the foreign minister, with former minister Amir Ohana becoming the Knesset's speaker. Ohana is the first openly gay occupant of the post. 🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱 — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) December 29, 2022 × 🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/woeI4sOxBk — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) December 29, 2022 × During his speech, Netanyahu presented the agenda to the Knesset plenum and outlined the objectives for his coalition: 1) stopping Iran’s nuclear programme, 2) developing state infrastructure, and 3) restoring internal security and governance to Israel. Netanyahu also said that he will work to tackle the rising cost of living and improve education. Meanwhile, Israeli left-wing and centrist activists gathered in front of the Knesset to protest against Netanyahu's new government. Today, outside the Knesset, ahead of the swearing in of the new government: In the name of Judaism - we came to defend democracy. To raise a voice against radicalization and incitement, racism and exclusion. Our fight will not dissipate or despair. https://t.co/TXsiRFbnA2 — ReformJudaismIsrael (@IsraelReform) December 29, 2022 × In his farewell address as the PM, Yair Lapid said that he is passing on the change "with an unquiet heart". Mentioning the Abraham Accords, Lapid said, "We laid the foundations for Saudi joining the Abraham Accords." He added, "The secret details will be handed to the incoming prime minister. If the new government continues in the route we carved out, normalisation with the Saudis can be reached in a short time." United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco normalised relations with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords in 2020. Netanyahu seeks to expand it to Saudi Arabia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Benjamin Netanyahu sworn in as Israel's Prime Minister, heads country's most right-wing govt ever

Mickey Levy of the centrist Yesh Atid, the party led by coalition architect Yair Lapid, was on Sunday elected as the speaker of the 120-seat legislative body.&nbsp;

Levy, a legislator from Yair Lapid's centrist Yesh Atid party, has been voted as the new speaker of Israel's parliament on Sunday.&nbsp;

He received 67 votes and his rival, Shas lawmaker Yaakov Margi, got 52 votes.&nbsp;

Between 2013 and 2014, Mickey Levy was the Deputy Minister of Finance.

He was a police officer before entering politics.&nbsp;

Levy was born in Jerusalem, but his parents are from Cizire, Turkey, a Kurdish town.&nbsp;

In an old interview, Levy had stated that he is proud to be a Kurd and that his family arrived in what is now Israel long before Saladin Ayubi, the famed Muslim Kurdish commander.

According to his biography on the Parliament website, he also worked as a police attaché at the Israeli Embassy in Washington and then owned a bus company.

Mickey Levy of the centrist Yesh Atid, the party led by coalition architect Yair Lapid, was on Sunday elected as the speaker of the 120-seat legislative body. Levy, a legislator from Yair Lapid's centrist Yesh Atid party, has been voted as the new speaker of Israel's parliament on Sunday.

Mickey Levy of the centrist Yesh Atid, the party led by coalition architect Yair Lapid, was on Sunday elected as the speaker of the 120-seat legislative body. Levy, a legislator from Yair Lapid's centrist Yesh Atid party, has been voted as the new speaker of Israel's parliament on Sunday. He received 67 votes and his rival, Shas lawmaker Yaakov Margi, got 52 votes. Between 2013 and 2014, Mickey Levy was the Deputy Minister of Finance. He was a police officer before entering politics. Levy was born in Jerusalem, but his parents are from Cizire, Turkey, a Kurdish town. In an old interview, Levy had stated that he is proud to be a Kurd and that his family arrived in what is now Israel long before Saladin Ayubi, the famed Muslim Kurdish commander. According to his biography on the Parliament website, he also worked as a police attaché at the Israeli Embassy in Washington and then owned a bus company.

Israel's new speaker Mickey Levy: The police officer turned politician

Palestinians dismissed a change in the Israeli government saying they do not have any hope in the newly formed government. Politicians and residents called it an internal issue of Israel.

Palestinians see little difference in old and new Israeli leaders, dismisses 'govt of change'

The Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu has held on to power for over a decade. But after almost 12 years of nearly complete hegemony over Israeli politics, the 71-year-old Netanyahu is staring at an end to his leadership.

Is Benjamin Netanyahu's tenure heading to an end?

In a nationwide address, Yamina party leader Naftali Bennett said he had decided to join forces with the country's opposition leader, Yair Lapid. The pair have until Wednesday to complete a deal in which they are expected to each serve two years as prime minister in a rotation deal.

Bennett set to form coalition with Lapid to replace Netanyahu as PM

Naftali Bennett to join forces with opposition Lapid to replace Netanyahu as PM

Benjamin Netanyahu's battle for his political survival, Israel to vote again on Sept 17. Watch this video to know more.

Benjamin Netanyahu's battle for his political survival, Israel to vote again on Sept 17

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