Moshe Arbel

Rabbi Moshe Arbel is an Israeli lawmaker and member of the Sephardi ultra-Orthodox Shas Party. He currently serves as the country's interior minister.

Arbel was given his ministerial post after his party's leader, Arye Deri, was forced to vacate his roles as interior minister and health minister due to a High Court ruling. Arbel served in both roles for a time before giving up his role as health minister amid the Israel-Hamas war.

Moshe Arbel bans US anti-Zionist rabbi after he met with Iran’s foreign minister

Arbel said in a statement that he “will not allow anyone who acts against the State of Israel and identifies with its enemies to enter it,” adding that cooperation with Iran crossed a red line.

 Interior minister bans US anti-Zionist rabbi after meeting with Iran’s foreign minister.
 Interior Minister Moshe Arbel meets with Sheikh Muafak Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel.

'Partnership and responsibility': Planning committee for Druze, Circassian towns approved

 Syrian security forces check vehicles at the entrance of Druze town of Sahnaya, Syria, May 1, 2025.

Syrian Druze community pleas for int'l assistance as sectarian violence continues

 ILLUSTRATION: Abitsam Mohamed and Yuan Yang, Ben-Gurion Airport

Two British MPs denied entry to Israel due to 'intention to spread hate speech'


Five Thai nationals released from Gaza captivity given permanent resident status

At least one living Thai hostage, Pinta Nattapong, 35, remains in captivity.

 Released Thai hostages stand for a picture with Thailand's Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa, in Beer Yaakov, Israel

Father of Filipino fallen soldier to receive permanent residency status in Israel

The decision follows a recommendation from the Population and Immigration Authority, and Basilio will receive his status at the Population Administration office in Tel Aviv on Monday.

Sgt. First Class (res.) Cydrick Garin.

Sa'ar calls on Interior Ministry to grant fallen Hebrew Israelite soldier's family citizenship

Sa'ar, who previously served as Interior Minister from 2013-2014, asked the current Minister to consider granting citizenship to Elishai Young's family members.

 Minister Gideon Sa'ar speaks during a special plenum session presenting the new emergency government at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on October 12, 2023.

Likud members join MK Moshe Arbel in support for unity government

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel is working with opposition parties to form a unity government led by Netanyahu focused on returning hostages.

 Minister of Interior and Minister of Health Moshe Arbel seen during a Shas faction meeting, at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on July 10, 2023.

'Black kippah doesn’t exempt one from IDF service': says senior Shas haredi minister

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel advocates for equal IDF conscription, challenging the Shas party's stance.

 Israeli Interior Minister Rabbi Moshe Arbel (Shas).

Population Authority launches new system to request passport extensions online

"We have set a goal of improving service to Israeli citizens." 

 Israeli Interior Minister Rabbi Moshe Arbel (Shas).

Haredi, Harvard, Home Front Command: The enigma of Moshe Arbel

A haredi rabbi, Harvard graduate, law doctoral student, and IDF reservist: Interior Minister Moshe Arbel presents a complex picture.

 Israeli Interior Minister Rabbi Moshe Arbel (Shas).

'No moral option' to continue blanket IDF exemption, haredi minister says

Attorney General: Government has yet to put forward a new plan.

 Haredi protest in Jerusalem, April 11, 2024.

Knesset approves first reading of bill to let Israelis get passports, IDs online

Interior Minister Moshe Arbel presented a bill that would allow for Israelis to get IDs online without appearing in person at government agencies.

Moshe Arbel

This week in Jerusalem: Back in action

A weekly round-up of city affairs.

 Horizontal concept: New store coming to Malha Mall.

This Gazan risked his life for IDF soldiers on October 7 - and got rewarded

Following his wife's death Hamid was left to care alone for his nine children, all citizens of Israel and minors, some of whom have medical issues.

 Interior Minister Moshe Arbel granting permanent resident status to Hamid Abu Arar for his life-saving actions on October 7, February 21, 2024.