<p>A poll published Friday morning by Maariv indicates that the balance between the political blocs remains unchanged. At the same time, the survey points to a continued rise in support for Gadi Eisenkot, alongside a decline in backing for Naftali Bennett.</p><p>According to the poll, the projected seat distribution is as follows: Likud 26; Bennett 19; Yisrael! led by Eisenkot 14; The Democrats 11; Otzma Yehudit 9; Yisrael Beiteinu 8; Shas 8; Yesh Atid 8; United Torah Judaism 7; Hadash-Ta’al 5; and Ra’am 5. Blue and White, Religious Zionism, the Reservists, and Balad do not pass the electoral threshold.</p><p>By blocs, the coalition stands at 50 seats, the opposition bloc-excluding the Arab parties-at 60 seats, while the Arab parties collectively receive 10 mandates.</p>

<p><i>Arutz Sheva-Israel National News</i> is stopping its round-the-clock news updates at this time in honor of the start of Shabbat in North America, where they are being written now.</p><p>Updates will resume Saturday night from Israel, following the conclusion of Shabbat at 18:12 Jerusalem time.</p><p>Shabbat Shalom!</p>

<p>Former Rep. Cori Bush files to reclaim her seat in Missouri, challenging incumbent Wesley Bell. She criticizes AIPAC's $8.6 million effort against her in 2024, and vows to fight for "Palestinian rights".</p><p><i>(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)</i></p>

<p>IDF Spokesperson Effie Defrin reassures the public, saying the military is monitoring Iran closely and remains on high alert. This comes after the US Embassy in Israel announced staff evacuations.</p><p><i>(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)</i></p>

<p>President Trump says he has not yet decided on military action against Iran, expresses dissatisfaction with the country's negotiations, but indicates further talks will take place.</p><p><i>(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)</i></p>

Lebanese report says Israel is demanding full disarmament, tunnel maps, and exclusion of Hamas from future Gaza security structures.

After a snowy night, five cm of snow piled up on Mount Hermon, and the visitors' site estimates that the amount will increase as the snow continues.

Louis D. Brandeis Center and StandWithUS organizations file a lawsuit against the state of California on behalf of Jewish parents across the state whose children have experienced pervasive antisemitism in the public school system.