menu_open Columnists
Lazar Berman

Lazar Berman

The Times of Israel

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

With Venezuela raid, Trump fires a message to Iran and Hamas. Will they listen?

The bold operation in Venezuela shows the Mideast that the US president is willing to back up his threats, but will likely also convince Khamenei that...

yesterday 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

PM tells Evangelical leaders Israel is part of effort to protect Christians worldwide

Netanyahu tells delegation in Florida that Turkey is among persecuting countries

01.01.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Trump and Netanyahu present united stance on Gaza, but will Hamas agree to go along?

PM and US president seek to dispel reports of growing rift with chummy Mar-a-Lago meeting, making it easier to confront continued threats though by no...

31.12.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Meeting PM, Trump warns of ‘hell to pay’ if Hamas doesn’t disarm in ‘very short’ time

Meeting PM, Trump warns of ‘hell to pay’ if Hamas doesn’t disarm in ‘very short’ time

US president insists he and Netanyahu are almost completely aligned as gaps emerge on Syria, Turkey and West Bank; also says he would back IDF strike...

30.12.2025 70

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Trump to be awarded Israel Prize next year, the country’s top honor

Trump to be awarded Israel Prize next year, the country’s top honor

Education minister tells US president that he’s receiving award for his ‘significant and consistent efforts on behalf of the Jewish people...

30.12.2025 100

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Trump claims Herzog told him Netanyahu pardon ‘on its way’; Israeli president denies it

Trump claims Herzog told him Netanyahu pardon ‘on its way’; Israeli president denies it

Herzog’s office says pair never spoke, but he gave a Trump representative an explanation on ‘the stage of the process’ after the...

30.12.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

In the US, Netanyahu aims to convince Trump that only threat of war can bring peace

In the US, Netanyahu aims to convince Trump that only threat of war can bring peace

Leaders agree Gaza must be demilitarized and Iran kept from rebuilding, but with Hamas winning the peace and Hezbollah rearming, PM wants enemies to...

28.12.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Iranian hacking group claims to seize damning info from phone of PM’s chief of staff

Iranian hacking group claims to seize damning info from phone of PM’s chief of staff

Same group alleged to have hacked Bennett’s phone now threatens to release information linking Tzachi Braverman to Qatargate affair; PM’s...

28.12.2025 90

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu departs for US to meet Trump on Gaza plan, Hezbollah tensions

Netanyahu departs for US to meet Trump on Gaza plan, Hezbollah tensions

PM scheduled to meet Rubio ahead of US president on Monday, will meet Evangelical leaders at hotel on Wednesday, lawmakers and Jewish leaders at Miami...

28.12.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel becomes first country to recognize breakaway Somaliland as independent state

Israel becomes first country to recognize breakaway Somaliland as independent state

President says his country wants to join Abraham Accords; move sparks anger among regional powers who say it undermines sovereignty and territorial...

26.12.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Lazar Focus: Eran Ortal on where does the IDF go after October 7?

Lazar Focus: Eran Ortal on where does the IDF go after October 7?

The brigadier-general (res.), a leading military theorist, says Israel needs a new strategy that employs cutting-edge technology to achieve decisive...

26.12.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Lebanese president says diplomacy with Israel is pushing back ‘specter of war’

Lebanese president says diplomacy with Israel is pushing back ‘specter of war’

As Beirut sharpens tone against Hezbollah, and after Israeli and Lebanese officials met directly twice, Aoun says ‘matters will head in a...

25.12.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Sa’ar again accuses Palestinian Authority of lying about reforms to ‘pay-for-slay’ policy

Sa’ar again accuses Palestinian Authority of lying about reforms to ‘pay-for-slay’ policy

Foreign minister alleges that Abbas disguising payments as pensioner stipends, security officer salaries, after PA president says...

25.12.2025 80

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel investing more than $100 billion into independent arms industry, Netanyahu reveals

Israel investing more than $100 billion into independent arms industry, Netanyahu reveals

Premier says Israel will build an independent munitions industry over the next decade, ‘reduce dependence on all players’ after threat of...

25.12.2025 80

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

PM’s ex-aide withheld name of top official involved in Bild leak out of fear — report

PM’s ex-aide withheld name of top official involved in Bild leak out of fear — report

Law enforcement sources say account regarding PM’s chief of staff must be examined; Feldstein claims he took sole responsibility for leak out of...

25.12.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu uses summit of Israel, Greece, Cyprus leaders to send warning to Turkey

Participants at trilateral Jerusalem summit agree to boost cooperation in eastern Mediterranean; PM says the three countries can defend against those...

23.12.2025 70

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Leading GOP senator: Hamas must be given deadline to disarm or face renewed war

Lindsey Graham tells Times of Israel the US should join future attack on Hezbollah; Iran should be attacked now if it is rebuilding nuclear and...

22.12.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

‘From the river to the sea’ chant is antisemitic, says France’s human rights envoy

‘From the river to the sea’ chant is antisemitic, says France’s human rights envoy

Speaking to The Times of Israel from Jaffa days after deadly Sydney shooting, Isabelle Lonvis-Rome says attacking Israel’s...

19.12.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Lazar Focus: Danielle Pletka on what Trump wants in the Middle East

Lazar Focus: Danielle Pletka on what Trump wants in the Middle East

AEI expert lays out how the Australian government continues to fail on antisemitism, who controlled policy in the Biden White House, and what to...

19.12.2025 80

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Witkoff to meet mediators on Friday amid frustration over implementation of Gaza deal

Witkoff to meet mediators on Friday amid frustration over implementation of Gaza deal

Talks to be held in Miami on transition to phase two of ceasefire agreement, which countries that brokered the truce feel both Israel and Hamas are...

19.12.2025 90

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

‘Historic moment’: Netanyahu announces $34.7 billion natural gas deal with Egypt

‘Historic moment’: Netanyahu announces $34.7 billion natural gas deal with Egypt

Deal, which US reportedly pressed Israel to back, briefly stalled earlier this year after energy minister cited a lack of assurances that Israeli...

18.12.2025 80

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Report: Netanyahu, Trump planned Iran strike far in advance, ran deception campaign

Report: Netanyahu, Trump planned Iran strike far in advance, ran deception campaign

Washington Post says two leaders began plotting attack in February, leaked false stories to US, Israeli media painting daylight between...

18.12.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

US, French, Saudi officials to meet in Paris about preventing renewed war in Lebanon

US, French, Saudi officials to meet in Paris about preventing renewed war in Lebanon

Fears of broader conflict mount as end-of-year deadline for Hezbollah to lay down its arms nears; IDF says two of the terror group’s operatives...

16.12.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

US hosts forum in Qatar on international Gaza force, with Turkey reportedly left out

US hosts forum in Qatar on international Gaza force, with Turkey reportedly left out

Dozens of countries, from major European and Middle Eastern powers to tiny states, convene in Doha, as proposed stabilization force continues to faces...

16.12.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu meets US envoy to Lebanon amid warnings over renewed fighting

Netanyahu meets US envoy to Lebanon amid warnings over renewed fighting

Lebanese army says ‘weapons control’ over area south of Litani almost complete, denies Hezbollah regrouping in area; diplomats tour border...

16.12.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

US said to rebuke Netanyahu for hit on Hamas general, amid broader anger over Gaza

US said to rebuke Netanyahu for hit on Hamas general, amid broader anger over Gaza

‘We won’t allow you to ruin president’s reputation’: Report says White House told PM attack violated ceasefire; Rubio,...

15.12.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Sydney gunmen IDed as father and son, said to have ISIS flag, as ‘overwhelming’ response pledged

Sydney gunmen IDed as father and son, said to have ISIS flag, as ‘overwhelming’ response pledged

Gunmen named as Naveed and Sajid Akram, 24 and 50; son reportedly probed in 2019 for ISIS ties; Australia said to examine if attack was Iranian plot;...

15.12.2025 100

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Global condemnation pours in after Jews gunned down at Bondi Beach Hanukkah event

Global condemnation pours in after Jews gunned down at Bondi Beach Hanukkah event

King Charles III says Hanukkah story is proof that light ‘will always triumph over the darkness of such evil,’ as world leaders note...

14.12.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel joins US-led ‘Pax Silica’ initiative to cooperate on securing AI supply chains

PM’s economic adviser touts ‘mark of distinction for Israel,’ as US, seven allies launch effort to ‘shape a new, sustainable...

13.12.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Report: Israel agreed to US demand to pay for massive Gaza rubble-clearing operation

Washington said to expect Israel to finance, oversee debris removal as a 1st step toward reconstruction, in project that could cost over $1 billion...

12.12.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Pressured by Trump and threatened by Iran, Ukraine looks to revamp ties with Israel

Deputy PM Taras Kachka, the most senior Ukrainian official to visit Israel since 2022 Russian invasion, says bilateral relationship looking up, but...

11.12.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu to meet Trump December 29 for talks on advancing Gaza plan

Netanyahu’s fifth visit since January to reportedly take place in Florida, may extend over week; US envoy Waltz discusses need for...

08.12.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Eyeing phase two in Gaza, PM airs skepticism on whether international force can disarm Hamas

Netanyahu says he’ll give multinational force a chance, and in the end, disarmament ‘will be done,’ also claims Israel is...

08.12.2025 70

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Set for US trip, Netanyahu faces tough sledding as Trump cools on aggressive stance

The PM is likely seeking to bring the White House’s focus back to his hawkish wish list on Gaza, Lebanon and beyond, but Trump could use pardon...

05.12.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu taps his military secretary, Roman Gofman, as next Mossad director

Considered close to the prime minister, Gofman reportedly selected over 2 candidates suggested by outgoing spy chief David Barnea, who will leave the...

04.12.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

‘You cannot deceive the world’: Sa’ar, Irish ambassador spar at Foreign Ministry event

Irish envoy takes issue with Israeli FM’s version of row over now-shelved plans to strip Herzog name from Dublin park; Sa’ar says he will...

02.12.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

As Trump and Saudi prince heat up ties, Israel normalization left out in the cold

MBS notched important gains in Washington, rehabilitating Riyadh after it was sidelined by Israel and Qatar and likely stiffening the kingdom’s...

01.12.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu requests presidential pardon in corruption trial; doesn’t admit guilt

Herzog says he’ll weigh ‘extraordinary request’ based on expert opinions; allies hail move; opposition slams attempt to evade...

30.11.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

UK’s would-be top diplomat says Starmer failing Israel, flubbing postwar Gaza role

In Jerusalem, pro-Israel stalwart and Conservative shadow foreign minister Priti Patel accuses Labour of becoming irrelevant in Mideast, emboldening...

27.11.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Popemobile used by Francis in Bethlehem refitted as mobile clinic for Gaza kids

Late pope blessed project to repurpose the Mitsubishi pickup truck he used during his 2014 West Bank visit; Israel says it hasn’t received a...

25.11.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

After weeks of warnings over slow Hezbollah disarmament, Israel shows it’s ready to escalate

Backed by the US, the IDF put firepower behind its threats with Sunday’s hit on the senior terrorist; Hezbollah is unlikely to retaliate, but...

24.11.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

At cabinet meeting, PM vows to ‘continue to strike terrorism’ wherever necessary

Hours before Beirut strike on Hezbollah military chief, ministers argue over dairy prices; education minister, key MK join protest outside meeting,...

24.11.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

As US dives into remaking Gaza, shades of nation-building come into focus

US president pledged to steer clear of projects like George W. Bush’s Iraq and Afghanistan commitments, yet his Gaza plan is increasingly starting...

23.11.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Optimism abounds at Gaza coordination center, but violence puts truce at risk

Officers and civilians from 20 nations work to push ceasefire to second phase, while another Hamas attack on IDF troops in Strip leads to a major...

20.11.2025 90

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Mossad says foiled Hamas terror plots in Europe were planned in Qatar, maybe Turkey

Spy agency probe finds that guns seized in Austria last month belonged to son of Hamas political leader, who likely got green-light for attack from...

20.11.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu breaks silence on burgeoning settler violence, vows ‘forceful action’

At cabinet meeting PM says Israel is a ‘nation of laws’ and violent perpetrators represent a minority of settlers in the West Bank, where...

16.11.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu accuses ministers of electioneering; briefly bars 4 tardy ministers from meeting

In apparent swipe at Defense Minister Katz, PM blasts ‘barrage’ of campaigning ahead of elections, set to be held by no later than October...

16.11.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu vows to disarm Hamas as US said to wobble on Gaza demilitarization

PM rejects ‘lectures’ on opposing Palestinian state, after his allies rail at US-backed statement that Trump’s plan, up for UN vote...

16.11.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Report: Trump pressing Saudi crown prince to ink deal with Israel following Gaza truce

Senior US official tells Axios message to MBS, expected at White House next week, is: ‘We did all the things you asked for. Now, there are...

14.11.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu insists he won’t ask for pardon if he has to admit guilt in ‘absurd’ trial

In wide-ranging interview, PM vows to run for another term; says he can make progress with Syria’s Sharaa if Golan demilitarized, Druze...

13.11.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman