Jacob Jaffa

Jacob Jaffa is the JC's Digital News Editor. His specialist topics include UK and US politics, the far-right and antisemitism in Europe. You can reach him on jjaffa@thejc.com

Latest from Jacob Jaffa

Israeli elections

Early turnout hits highest level ever in Israeli election

Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has claimed that the surge is located in Arab communites and ‘legt-wing strongholds’

2 min read

Israelis stand in line to cast their ballots at a polling station during on October 27, 2026 (Flash90)

MKs attend a plenum session in the assembly hall of the Knesset on July 28, 2026 (Flash90)

Final polls before 2026 Israeli elections predict coalition deadlock

2 min read

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva celebrates in São Paulo after winning Brazil's general election on October 25, 2026 (Getty Images)

Anti-Israel president Lula records upset victory in Brazilian election

2 min read

Dr Ashok Kumar on the BBC's 'Politics Live' on October 18, 2026 (BBC)

BBC accused of giving Green activist ‘free rein’ to ‘launch disgusting attack’ on Jewish guest

2 min read

Bank of Israel rejects Netanyahu’s claim crypto could help evade financial sanctions

The prime minister told Israelis to prepare for the economic impact of potential international measures against Jerusalem

1 min read

October 25, 2026 11:54

Prime Minister Netanyahu speaks during a Likud campaign rally at Expo Tel Aviv on September 17, 2026 (Getty Images)

UK sanctions handed Netanyahu electoral boost, new polling shows

Israelis also showed more support for the settlement project and attached less importance to maintaining good relations with the UK and Europe

2 min read

October 25, 2026 10:11

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem on October 22, 2026 (Flash90)

High Line Publishing hails Jewish-focused Odessa Editions at New York launch

The new publishing house, backed by figures like Neil Blair, Rob Rinder and Julie Bindel, aims to ‘offer readers a new vantage point by publishing exceptional books that challenge assumptions’

2 min read

October 23, 2026 15:27

Neil Blair addresses the audience at the High Line Publishing launch in New York on October 20, 2026 (Courtesy)

Claims IHRA definition will stifle Israel debate in schools ‘simply not true,’ says children's minister

Josh McAllister insisted that the government’s adoption of the recommendations of the landmark Bell Review will help schools ‘meet their legal duties, including on equality and free speech’

2 min read

October 23, 2026 12:26

Minister for Children and Families Josh MacAllister (joshmacallister.com)

Heaton Park survivor recognised for ‘outstanding bravery’ at Pride of Britain Awards

Andrew Franks was stabbed multiple times by terrorist Jihad al-Shamie while working as a volunteer security guard at the shul

1 min read

October 23, 2026 11:09

Andrew Franks attends the Pride Of Britain Awards 2026 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House on October 19, 2026 (Getty Images)

West Bank shooting was work of ‘Hamas terrorists,’ Netanyahu says

The prime minister pledged to ‘destroy’ the Hebron neighbourhood the gunmen came from and praise ‘heroic settlers’ as ‘a model for the people of Israel

2 min read

October 23, 2026 10:15

Israeli security personnel and ambulances at the scene of the shooting near the Yehuda Junction (Photo: JNS/Magen David Adom)

Opposition bloc widens lead over Netanyahu coalition days out from Israeli elections, JC polling analysis shows

The Yashar leader looks to be the frontrunner to form the next government, but will likely face a struggle to assemble a workable coalition

2 min read

October 22, 2026 13:34

Prime Minister Netanyahu attends a session of the Knesset in Jerusalem on July 16, 2026 (Getty Images)

Schools need new teaching tools to cover Israel-Palestine conflict, says government-backed report on antisemitism in education

The Bell Review also found that more than half of older Jewish pupils experience antisemitism and called on school leaders to ‘consider the time and place’ for political expression surrounding the Middle East

4 min read

October 21, 2026 14:36

Pupils of a Jewish primary school in Cheshire during a class (Getty Images)

First votes cast in Israeli elections as embassy staff go to the polls

Preparations are also being made for IDF soldiers to vote next week

1 min read

October 16, 2026 15:33

Workers prepare ballot boxes for Israel’s upcoming elections at the Central Elections Committee warehouse in Shoham on October 14, 2026 (Flash90)

New poll gives Eisenkot sizeable lead over Netanyahu in tight election race

However, the survey showed no overall majority for either of the predicted coalition blocs

2 min read

October 16, 2026 12:23

Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot speaks during a press conference near the Israeli border with the Gaza Strip on October 15, 2026 (Flash90)

Netanyahu confirms Ben-Gvir will not be defence or policing minister in next government

The prime minister denied the Oztma Yehudit leader’s demand for the posts, saying they must remain with his own Likud party

1 min read

October 16, 2026 11:08

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir speaks during the 'Game-Changing Generation' National Youth Conference at the International Convention Centre in Jerusalem on October 11, 2026 (Flash90)

Netanyahu claims Hamas will try and attack Israel to influence election

Defence Minister Israel Katz echoed the warning, adding that the IDF was also preparing for the possibility of clashes in the West Bank ahead of the October 7 anniversary

1 min read

October 7, 2026 11:38

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a state memorial ceremony for civilians murdered in the October 7 massacre at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem on October 5, 2026 (Olivier Fitoussi/Pool)

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Jacob Jaffa

Latest from Jacob Jaffa

Early turnout hits highest level ever in Israeli election

Final polls before 2026 Israeli elections predict coalition deadlock

Anti-Israel president Lula records upset victory in Brazilian election

BBC accused of giving Green activist ‘free rein’ to ‘launch disgusting attack’ on Jewish guest

More from Jacob Jaffa

Bank of Israel rejects Netanyahu’s claim crypto could help evade financial sanctions

UK sanctions handed Netanyahu electoral boost, new polling shows

High Line Publishing hails Jewish-focused Odessa Editions at New York launch

Claims IHRA definition will stifle Israel debate in schools ‘simply not true,’ says children's minister

Heaton Park survivor recognised for ‘outstanding bravery’ at Pride of Britain Awards

West Bank shooting was work of ‘Hamas terrorists,’ Netanyahu says

Opposition bloc widens lead over Netanyahu coalition days out from Israeli elections, JC polling analysis shows

Schools need new teaching tools to cover Israel-Palestine conflict, says government-backed report on antisemitism in education

First votes cast in Israeli elections as embassy staff go to the polls

New poll gives Eisenkot sizeable lead over Netanyahu in tight election race

Netanyahu confirms Ben-Gvir will not be defence or policing minister in next government

Netanyahu claims Hamas will try and attack Israel to influence election