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Lazar Berman

Lazar Berman

The Times of Israel

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US, Israel see Syria as possible home for relocated Gazans, says report

US, Israel see Syria as possible home for relocated Gazans, says report

Sources tell CBS that new government in Damascus has been approached as part of Trump’s Gaza plan, alongside Sudan and Somalia;...

yesterday 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu says he’ll fire Shin Bet chief Bar; AG says he can’t before legal review

Netanyahu says he’ll fire Shin Bet chief Bar; AG says he can’t before legal review

PM cites ‘ongoing distrust’ with security agency chief, who says expectation of personal loyalty is ‘fundamentally illegitimate’; timing...

yesterday 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Report: Netanyahu, Dermer worked to stop US-Hamas deal to free only American captives

Report: Netanyahu, Dermer worked to stop US-Hamas deal to free only American captives

PM and senior minister said to have leaked Boehler-Hamas talks so Hamas would up the ante; US official says they are ‘afraid it will become clear’...

saturday 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Freed hostage says he saw Avinatan Or alive in captivity, marking first sign of life

Freed hostage says he saw Avinatan Or alive in captivity, marking first sign of life

Hostage families petition High Court over Gaza electricity cut, saying it endangers loved ones’ lives; Trump backtracks from plan to expel...

13.03.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

New talks with Lebanon aimed at normalizing ties, senior Israeli official says

New talks with Lebanon aimed at normalizing ties, senior Israeli official says

Working groups established this week will focus on border, IDF presence, and Lebanese detainees, but Jerusalem is said to be aiming for a...

12.03.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Witkoff lands in Doha as talks resume with aim of extending fragile Gaza truce

Witkoff lands in Doha as talks resume with aim of extending fragile Gaza truce

Mediators said to be pushing Hamas to release 10 hostages in exchange for 60-day truce, providing time to reach wider deal

12.03.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel to hold talks with Lebanon on border dispute, releases detainees as gesture

Israel to hold talks with Lebanon on border dispute, releases detainees as gesture

Amid 4-way negotiations in Naqoura that establish 3 joint working groups, Israel hands back terrorist and other detained Lebanese; IDF strikes...

11.03.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

After Trump turns against Zelensky and other allies, could Israel be next in line?

After Trump turns against Zelensky and other allies, could Israel be next in line?

Overjoyed by president’s return to the White House, Netanyahu is determined to avoid any daylight with country’s ‘best friend,’ but cracks have...

10.03.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Ahead of Doha talks, Witkoff says ‘deadlines’ key for deal on ceasefire’s next phase

Ahead of Doha talks, Witkoff says ‘deadlines’ key for deal on ceasefire’s next phase

Trump envoy says all on the table if Hamas agrees to disarm and leave Gaza; Israeli delegation heads to Doha with Witkoff proposal on the agenda;...

10.03.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

US reportedly warns Iraq of consequences if it doesn’t ensure kidnapped Israeli freed

US reportedly warns Iraq of consequences if it doesn’t ensure kidnapped Israeli freed

Trump envoy Adam Boehler tells Iraqi PM there will be political, economic repercussions if academic Elizabeth Tsurkov remains captive, Qatari paper...

10.03.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu tried to cajole Shin Bet head to quit during ‘tense’ meeting – report

Netanyahu tried to cajole Shin Bet head to quit during ‘tense’ meeting – report

No denial from Prime Minister’s Office, which lashed out at agency’s October 7 probe that noted Netanyahu government policies

10.03.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel says it is stopping power to the Gaza, in bid to ratchet up pressure on Hamas

Israel says it is stopping power to the Gaza, in bid to ratchet up pressure on Hamas

Energy minister vows to use ‘all the tools available’ to free hostages, oust terror group, though Israel has only been supplying power for one...

09.03.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Negotiators to head to Qatar as Israel denies Hamas claim of progress on 2nd truce phase

Negotiators to head to Qatar as Israel denies Hamas claim of progress on 2nd truce phase

Team to fly out Monday; Netanyahu holding security consultations as sides remain at loggerheads over how to move forward; Israel said planning...

09.03.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Report: 5 months before Oct. 7, Shin Bet head told Netanyahu war in Gaza inevitable

Report: 5 months before Oct. 7, Shin Bet head told Netanyahu war in Gaza inevitable

PM’s office calls Haaretz story ‘fake news’ amid rapidly escalating war of words between premier and agency chief Ronen Bar

06.03.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Aiming to stymie Trump’s ‘Riviera’ vision, Arab leaders gather to endorse Gaza plan

Aiming to stymie Trump’s ‘Riviera’ vision, Arab leaders gather to endorse Gaza plan

Hosting summit in Cairo, Egyptian president presents proposal that would see Gazans remain in Strip during 5-year reconstruction, but avoids...

04.03.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Shin Bet chief says he’ll stay until hostages return, state probes Oct. 7 — report

Shin Bet chief says he’ll stay until hostages return, state probes Oct. 7 — report

Ronen Bar said to tell senior employees he takes responsibility for failures, as Netanyahu rejects state commission of inquiry and reportedly mulls...

04.03.2025 9

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

As European and Arab leaders panic, Trump gives Netanyahu rare freedom of action

As European and Arab leaders panic, Trump gives Netanyahu rare freedom of action

In a fateful week for the Ukraine and Gaza wars, with summits in London and Cairo, the PM aims to ramp up pressure on Hamas, buoyed by the US...

04.03.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu apologizes to freed hostage Eli Sharabi for failing to get him out sooner

Netanyahu apologizes to freed hostage Eli Sharabi for failing to get him out sooner

PM tells former captive, ‘Sorry it took us so long,’ stresses value of his coming meeting with Trump in Washington; Sharabi vows to plead...

03.03.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel halts aid into Gaza, citing Hamas refusal to extend first phase of truce

Israel halts aid into Gaza, citing Hamas refusal to extend first phase of truce

Jerusalem claims US backs move to push extension of now-expired stage of ceasefire rather than negotiating 2nd phase; PM: ‘Humanitarian aid turned...

02.03.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

As truce enters limbo, Israel gives diplomacy with Hamas one last chance before resuming war

As truce enters limbo, Israel gives diplomacy with Hamas one last chance before resuming war

PM’s office endorses what it says is a US plan to extend ceasefire until mid-April, with half of hostages going free now and the rest later along...

02.03.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel decides to establish formal ties with trio of European far-right parties 

FM Sa’ar says opening of dialogue with Sweden Democrats, France’s National Rally, Spain’s Vox is based on their present actions, not antisemitic...

28.02.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel sends delegation to Cairo for Gaza talks as ceasefire’s future put in doubt

Israel sends delegation to Cairo for Gaza talks as ceasefire’s future put in doubt

Prime Minister’s Office mum on whether negotiators will discuss phase two of hostage-ceasefire deal; official says troops will remain in Gaza-Egypt...

27.02.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Mossad chief backs Netanyahu over decision to hold off on Lebanon offensive

Mossad chief backs Netanyahu over decision to hold off on Lebanon offensive

David Barnea denies former defense minister Yoav Gallant’s claim that beeper and walkie-talkie attack could have taken out thousands of Hezbollah...

26.02.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Lapid presents Gaza ‘day after’ plan in DC, urges extended Egyptian takeover

Lapid presents Gaza ‘day after’ plan in DC, urges extended Egyptian takeover

Opposition leader sees proposal, that envisages Egypt overseeing the Strip for at least eight years, as complementary to Trump’s vision; Cairo...

26.02.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Hamas said weighing quiet handover of slain hostages for delayed prisoners

Hamas said weighing quiet handover of slain hostages for delayed prisoners

Report says terror group could transfer bodies to Egypt to be ID’d before inmates set free in two groups, as official warns ceasefire on ‘brink of...

25.02.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Senior Hamas official: I wouldn’t have backed Oct. 7 if I’d known outcome for Gaza

Senior Hamas official: I wouldn’t have backed Oct. 7 if I’d known outcome for Gaza

Moussa Abu Marzouk says ‘impossible’ to call Gaza war a victory for terror group, says he’s open to discussing its disarmament; Hamas: Words...

25.02.2025 90

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel denies entry to EU politician who backs boycott, sanctions, armed struggle

Israel denies entry to EU politician who backs boycott, sanctions, armed struggle

Decision made as French-Palestinian legislator Rima Hassan is en route to Israel; she lands and returns to Brussels; has been questioned in France for...

25.02.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

In talks aimed at mending ties with EU, Sa’ar says Israel open to extending Gaza truce

In talks aimed at mending ties with EU, Sa’ar says Israel open to extending Gaza truce

In first such meeting since 2022, top diplomat says move can only go ahead if more hostages return; adds criticism by ‘less friendly’ member...

24.02.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Holding up photo of Bibas family, PM says Israel must ‘remember what we’re fighting for’

Holding up photo of Bibas family, PM says Israel must ‘remember what we’re fighting for’

PM tells cadets hostages will be returned, Hamas removed, even if it means return to war, and ‘operational plans are ready’; says Israel demands...

24.02.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Landmarks, monuments worldwide light up in orange in memory of Bibas family

Argentina’s Obelisco illuminated with photo of murdered family, Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer glows orange, and Myanmar’s only synagogue is...

23.02.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

In visit to Tulkarem, Netanyahu calls to expand West Bank counterterror operation

Prime minister’s rare visit comes in wake of bus bombings in central Israel; Palestinian Authority condemns Netanyahu’s...

22.02.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Remains ID’d of Oded Lifshitz, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, but other body isn’t the boys’ mom Shiri

IDF says forensic experts can find no match for fourth body handed over by Hamas, slams terror group for ‘very serious violation’ of...

21.02.2025 100

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Dermer in US to meet Witkoff on ‘difficult’ phase two of hostage-ceasefire deal

Hamas accuses Israel of procrastinating over second stage talks; VP Vance: Trump will ‘fight every single day’ to bring hostages home,...

21.02.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Leading Hispanic pastor seeks to build firewall against declining Israel support

In partnership with Eagles’ Wings, Sam Rodriguez – adviser to Bush, Obama, and Trump – sees young clergy as key to countering...

20.02.2025 9

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Fiji to open embassy in Jerusalem, becoming 7th country to do so

FM Sa’ar hails Pacific nation ‘for its historic decision,’ after Fijian premier told him last week of plan to move diplomatic...

19.02.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Top Netanyahu adviser Ron Dermer to lead talks on phase two of hostage deal

Heads of Mossad, Shin Bet reportedly not invited to security meeting as prime minister shakes up negotiating team ahead of crucial discussions

19.02.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Iran says British couple on round-the-world trip held on espionage charges

Craig and Lindsey Foreman accused of ‘posing as tourists’ to gather information while working with institutions linked to spy agencies in enemy...

18.02.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Hamas to release 6 living hostages on Saturday, and return 4 bodies Thursday

Only 3 living hostages were to go free this week, but Hamas will instead release all 6 of phase 1’s remaining living hostages; families updated; FM:...

18.02.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel says it is preparing for Hamas to return bodies of four hostages on Thursday

Under Gaza deal annex not made public, 4 more bodies to be returned next week, along with release of 3 living hostages on Saturday, as Jerusalem tries...

18.02.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Hamas said to agree to cede Gaza governance to PA; Netanyahu: ‘Not going to happen’

PM also reiterates he’s ‘committed’ to Trump’s Gaza plan; Hebrew media says Ramallah’s ‘pay-to-slay’...

17.02.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel is supporting Ukraine in war, Estonia’s president says during Israel visit

Alar Karis initiates visit, including visit to ravaged Kibbutz Nir Oz, to ‘tell our people’ what is happening here; calls for two-state...

17.02.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Hosting Rubio, Netanyahu says ‘gates of hell will surely open’ if all hostages not freed

With Trump’s support, PM says, Israel ‘can and will finish the job’ against Iran; Rubio says all hostages must be released – ‘It is not optional’ –...

16.02.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Former Israeli hostage negotiator says Israel missed 2 windows for deal

Prime Minister’s Office charges that Oren Setter is ‘lying’ after he says that opportunities were missed in March and July 2024,...

16.02.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu cagey on Israel’s next steps as Trump deadline to free all hostages passes

PM wants to get remaining 6 living hostages in first phase of deal out in coming days; Rubio lands in Israel after US president said he’ll back...

16.02.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel said to tell Hamas ceasefire can continue if three hosatges freed on Saturday

‘We’re working hard with mediators to get the deal back on track,’ senior Israeli official tells news site; report says talks between Egypt and...

13.02.2025 70

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu: ‘Intense fighting’ to resume in Gaza if hostages not released by Saturday

While PM’s statement does not explicitly call for all captives to be returned by week’s end, an unnamed senior official says Israel wants ‘all...

12.02.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu believes he’s Israel’s man of destiny. Now is his moment of truth

The PM argues only he can stop Iran, make peace with the Saudis, and ensure Israel’s survival. He will either prove that claim — or show it was...

10.02.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Incoming US envoy Huckabee says Trump to bring Mideast change of ‘biblical proportions’

Herzog tells Fox News US president’s proposal to relocate Gazans is a ‘new idea’ that could cause ‘real change,’ but urges wishes of Egypt, Jordan,...

09.02.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu: Gazans relocated from Strip would be allowed back if they disavow terror

PM lauds Trump’s resettlement plan in interviews with friendly outlets, largely snubbing Israeli press on 6-day trip to Washington; says proposal is...

09.02.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu will return to Israel on Saturday night after 6 days in Washington

PM extends his stay over Shabbat, when 3 more Israeli hostages will be freed from Gaza; invites House Speaker Mike Johnson to visit Jerusalem

08.02.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman