Sam Sokol

Sam Sokol, Knesset Affairs correspondent at the Times of Israel, shares his in-depth knowledge of Israeli politics and the charedi parties, such as United Torah Judaism and Shas. He discusses his journey from political aspirations to journalism, emphasizing the importance of accountability in reporting on religious issues. The podcast delves into the complexities of navigating Haredi politics, including the ongoing debate over military service for yeshiva students and its implications, revealing evolving attitudes within the community.

Political reporters Sam Sokol and Ariela Karmel delve into Israel’s tumultuous Knesset scene. Sokol explains the controversial bill for a politically appointed probe into the October 7 failures, highlighting its potential to create a cover-up. Karmel discusses the repercussions of Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana's civil marriage vote, which outraged ultra-Orthodox parties, further destabilizing the coalition. They also address Minister Amichai Chikli's surprising call for investigation into explosive Qatargate allegations, igniting fresh debates in the government.

Sam Sokol, a political correspondent, dives into the Knesset's contentious debates over a death penalty bill for terrorists, emphasizing its potential legal challenges. He also discusses Netanyahu's refusal to form a state inquiry regarding the October 7 events. Meanwhile, tech editor Sharon Wrobel introduces Remilk, an innovative lab-made milk hitting the shelves in Israel, and addresses concerns surrounding Israeli startups in New York after mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's win, questioning the future of business ties.

Sam Sokol, a political reporter for The Times of Israel, provides a gripping eyewitness account of the chaotic Haredi protest in Jerusalem, where a bus tragically killed a 14-year-old boy. He describes the fiery scene filled with unsupervised youths and the mix of anger and curiosity that surrounded the aftermath. Sokol delves into the rally's extremist undertones, detailing how leading rabbis incited the crowd against a controversial draft exemption bill. His insights reveal both the immediate emotional impact and potential political ramifications after this harrowing incident.

In this captivating discussion, political reporters Sam Sokol and Ariela Karmel dive deep into the recent High Court ruling that halted over NIS 1 billion in funding for Haredi schools. They explore the intense backlash from Haredi leaders, framing judicial oversight as harassment. The duo also analyzes Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's fiery rhetoric against the Supreme Court and the ensuing tensions in the coalition, particularly surrounding the power struggles over Jerusalem's rabbinate. A battle of ideology and politics unfolds!