Discussion begins on preliminary reading of Knesset dissolution bill

<p>The coalition is stalling in the Knesset plenum amid efforts to reach agreements with the haredim.</p><p>Votes are not expected to take place before 2:00 a.m. Senior opposition figures clarified that, as far as they are concerned, nothing has changed, and they plan to bring the Knesset dissolution bill to a vote as planned.</p>

<p>The family of Yair Yaakov family commented on the recovery of his body: "On this difficult evening, we feel a sense of closure. This is a circle that we deeply needed to close in order to begin looking ahead. We wholeheartedly thank the security forces and the brave soldiers who took part in the complex recovery operation."</p><p>The family added: "However, we reiterate our position — the lives of soldiers should not be placed on the line. The hostages must be brought back through a deal that avoids further danger to soldiers or to the hostages themselves. On this day, we also wish to remember the families of the hostages who are still waiting for their loved ones — for them, these are unbearably difficult days. Our hearts will not be whole until they all return.”</p>

<p>Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion responded to the announcement by Argentina’s President that his country’s embassy will be relocated to Israel’s capital next year.</p><p>“I congratulate Argentine President Javier Milei on his declaration that Argentina’s embassy will be moved to Jerusalem in 2026. This decision is not merely a diplomatic step; it is an expression of the values of friendship, justice, and recognition of Jerusalem as the eternal capital of the State of Israel. As mayor, I look forward to seeing Argentina’s flag raised in Jerusalem and thank President Milei for his courage and unwavering support for the Jewish people and their state,” said Lion.</p>

Rabbi Dov Lando orders Degel HaTorah to vote against Knesset dissolution bill

<p>The leader of Degel HaTorah, Rabbi Dov Lando, instructed that the MKs be updated that preparations should be made to postpone the vote on the dissolution of the Knesset, following "significant progress on fundamental issues" regarding the details of the conscription exemption law.</p><p>According to the rabbi's directive, preparations should be made "for the possibility of postponing the vote in favor of dissolving the Knesset by a week, provided that an agreement and commitment are reached, including on the critical issue of the legislative timeline—an agreement that has not yet been achieved."</p>

<p>National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir commented on the recovery from Gaza of the bodies of hostage Yair Yaakov and another hostage.</p><p>"I commend the IDF and Shin Bet for retrieving the bodies of our hostages, Yair Yaakov, may his memory be a blessing, and another hostage whose name has not yet been cleared for publication. I send my condolences and embrace to the dear families, sharing in their profound grief. To bring back all our hostages and continue living here safely, we must remain committed to intense combat against Hamas with full force - until its complete destruction," said Ben Gvir.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated: "In an operation carried out by the IDF and the Shin Bet in the Gaza Strip, the bodies of two of our hostages were returned to Israel — Yair Yaakov, of blessed memory, and another hostage whose name has not yet been cleared for publication (his family has been notified). Yair Yaakov was murdered and abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz by Islamic Jihad on October 7, 2023.</p><p>"Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our deepest condolences to the families who have lost their most precious loved ones. I thank the soldiers and commanders for yet another successful execution of the sacred mission to bring our hostages home. We will not rest or be silent until we bring all our hostages home — both the living and the fallen," he added.</p>