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Lazar Berman

Lazar Berman

The Times of Israel

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Iran wants to drag out talks, Trump wants a deal now. Neither is good for Israel

Both sides say a good start was made in Oman, where it is unlikely that Steve Witkoff was pushing for full dismantlement of Tehran’s nuclear...

yesterday 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Hostage talks said to have lost ‘momentum’ since Dermer took over negotiating team

Hostage talks said to have lost ‘momentum’ since Dermer took over negotiating team

Israeli source says Netanyahu confidant doesn’t believe all hostages can be released, is instead focusing on one more major release of living captives

12.04.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Report: US envoy held direct talks with Hamas to try to give Trump win before speech

Report: US envoy held direct talks with Hamas to try to give Trump win before speech

Adam Boehler sat with terror leaders three times in attempt to free Edan Alexander before State of the Union address, NY Times says, but Hamas refused...

11.04.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Macron says France could recognize a Palestinian state in June

Macron says France could recognize a Palestinian state in June

French president says move may come at UN conference co-hosted with Saudi Arabia; FM Sa’ar warns it would be ‘reward for terror’

10.04.2025 90

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu’s office says High Court ruling on Bar ‘puzzling,’ amid calls to ignore it

Netanyahu’s office says High Court ruling on Bar ‘puzzling,’ amid calls to ignore it

Statement does not clarify whether PM will comply with court’s order that Shin Bet chief remain in his post for now, as ministers condemn ruling as...

09.04.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

US says Iran ‘moving in’ direction of nuclear deal after Trump announces direct talks

US says Iran ‘moving in’ direction of nuclear deal after Trump announces direct talks

PM, who was visiting Washington, said to have been informed of negotiations hours before US president’s statement, not given guarantees about what...

09.04.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

It’s too early to know how deep Qatargate goes, but it’s time to ask tough questions

It’s too early to know how deep Qatargate goes, but it’s time to ask tough questions

Expanding investigation suggests that Israeli decisions on hostage talks, relations with Egypt could have been influenced by Doha

08.04.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

After softball visit to Hungary, Netanyahu strikes out in DC meeting with Trump

After softball visit to Hungary, Netanyahu strikes out in DC meeting with Trump

US president surprises Israeli delegation as he announces Iran talks, refuses to commit to tariff relief and praises Hamas defender Erdogan

08.04.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Stressing ‘billions’ in aid, Trump refuses to commit to removing tariffs on Israel

Stressing ‘billions’ in aid, Trump refuses to commit to removing tariffs on Israel

Netanyahu promises to eliminate trade deficit with US, but fails to get promise from US president to roll back policy

08.04.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Hosting PM, Trump announces direct nuke talks with Iran; Tehran: Indirect dialog only

Hosting PM, Trump announces direct nuke talks with Iran; Tehran: Indirect dialog only

Netanyahu voices wary support for diplomacy, but stresses Iran mustn’t get the bomb, as US leader says high-level meeting due Saturday

08.04.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Trump suggests he can mediate between Israel and Turkey on Syria

Trump suggests he can mediate between Israel and Turkey on Syria

Touting his relationship with Erdogan, US leader tells Netanyahu: ‘I really think I’m going to be able to work it out’

08.04.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu lands in Washington for hastily arranged talks on Trump’s tariffs, Gaza war

Netanyahu lands in Washington for hastily arranged talks on Trump’s tariffs, Gaza war

PM travels from airport to meeting with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick; flight said to have taken convoluted route to avoid airspace of...

07.04.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Dermer and Witkoff to join Netanyahu-Trump meetings in Washington

Strategic affairs minister, who leads Israel’s hostage negotiating team, will participate in session with US envoy who has spearheaded talks,...

07.04.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Praising Hungary’s support in global forums, Netanyahu heads to DC for talks with Trump

Praising Hungary’s support in global forums, Netanyahu heads to DC for talks with Trump

PM says he’ll discuss tariffs, Gaza war, hostages at White House on Monday; doesn’t mention thwarting iran nuclear program; hails Orban for...

06.04.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

‘Senior Israeli official’ claims multiple countries interested in taking in Gazans

‘Senior Israeli official’ claims multiple countries interested in taking in Gazans

Briefing reporters during Netanyahu’s trip to Hungary, official defends renewed offensive in Gaza, says PM spoke with Trump about tariffs and that...

05.04.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu, in Budapest, lauds Orban’s withdrawal from ‘corrupt, rotten’ ICC

Netanyahu, in Budapest, lauds Orban’s withdrawal from ‘corrupt, rotten’ ICC

Hungarian and Israeli leaders speak with President Trump about move; Budapest rolls out red carpet for PM as Orban backs Jerusalem’s right to...

04.04.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Nicaragua walks back request to join ICJ genocide case against Israel

Nicaragua walks back request to join ICJ genocide case against Israel

FM Gideon Sa’ar praises decision as ‘better late than never,’ urges other signatories to follow suit; Nicaragua sought in February to join the...

04.04.2025 70

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Sa’ar: Israel could end Gaza war ‘tomorrow’ if Hamas frees hostages, exits Strip

Sa’ar: Israel could end Gaza war ‘tomorrow’ if Hamas frees hostages, exits Strip

Foreign minister also says both Jerusalem and Paris interested in stable Lebanon, preventing Iran from acquiring nukes, after meeting French...

03.04.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Hungary announces withdrawal from ICC as Netanyahu arrives for state visit

Hungary announces withdrawal from ICC as Netanyahu arrives for state visit

Hungarian PM invited Netanyahu day after court issued warrant for his arrest; Budapest says while it ratified statute that formed body, it ‘was...

03.04.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Defying ICC, Netanyahu set to take off for Hungary, which is expected to quit court

Defying ICC, Netanyahu set to take off for Hungary, which is expected to quit court

Trump ally Viktor Orban has vowed not to act on international arrest order against Israeli leader, who is expected to meet unnamed foreign official...

02.04.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu says IDF carving new corridor across Gaza to cut off Rafah, pressure Hamas

Netanyahu says IDF carving new corridor across Gaza to cut off Rafah, pressure Hamas

IDF chief vows that ‘the only thing that can stop us from advancing is the release of our hostages,’ as troops launch new offensive, accompanied by...

02.04.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

PM appoints Shin Bet deputy as interim chief, even as Bar’s firing remains frozen

PM appoints Shin Bet deputy as interim chief, even as Bar’s firing remains frozen

Netanyahu’s office says he is continuing to interview candidates for the role, insists dismissed incumbent will be out of office by April 10

02.04.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Ahead of Passover, Israelis warned Hamas, Iran may target travelers and Jews abroad

Ahead of Passover, Israelis warned Hamas, Iran may target travelers and Jews abroad

Terrorists expected to ramp up attacks amid ‘deteriorating situation in Gaza,’ National Security Council says, as lone wolf terrorism inspired by...

01.04.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

In swift U-turn, Netanyahu nixes nomination of Shin Bet head amid opposition from allies

In swift U-turn, Netanyahu nixes nomination of Shin Bet head amid opposition from allies

Just 24 hours after announcing pick, PM recants ‘after further thought,’ say he’ll interview other candidates; Gantz: Move shows ‘political...

01.04.2025 9

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel aims to begin building new $1.4b border barrier with Jordan within months

Israel aims to begin building new $1.4b border barrier with Jordan within months

Long-promised fence to stop frequent gun- and drug-smuggling will run from Golan Heights down to Ramon airport, hewing close to border, with remainder...

01.04.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Still trying to force Hamas into deal, IDF moves to drastically expand Gaza buffer zones

Still trying to force Hamas into deal, IDF moves to drastically expand Gaza buffer zones

Mass evacuation orders in Rafah are first act in multi-week operation, as Israel gives terror group last chance to free 11 living hostages and gain...

31.03.2025 8

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu seen likely to reverse pick for new Shin Bet head after allies protest choice

Netanyahu seen likely to reverse pick for new Shin Bet head after allies protest choice

Final decision yet to be made amid swirling reports around Eli Sharvit’s anti-government activism; defense minister wasn’t informed of appointment...

31.03.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu picks former Navy commander Eli Sharvit to be next head of Shin Bet

Netanyahu picks former Navy commander Eli Sharvit to be next head of Shin Bet

PM’s choice to replace Ronen Bar reportedly participated in 2023 judicial overhaul protests, does not speak Arabic and has no background in...

31.03.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Le Pen’s political career in jeopardy as verdict looms for French far-right party

Le Pen’s political career in jeopardy as verdict looms for French far-right party

Accused of embezzling European Parliament funds with other members of her party, Le Pen fears that if found guilty, court will declare her ineligible...

31.03.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Report: Ben Gvir mocked by cabinet colleagues for overzealous demands to punish Gaza

Report: Ben Gvir mocked by cabinet colleagues for overzealous demands to punish Gaza

Minister said to call for cutting off all power, including private generators, leading one top official to quip that Israel might also ‘turn off the...

31.03.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Trump says he’s ‘not joking’ about considering third term as president

Trump says he’s ‘not joking’ about considering third term as president

US president tells NBC in an interview that ‘there are methods which you could do it,’ despite constitutional ban

30.03.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Visiting Greek PM stresses ‘critically important’ defense cooperation with Israel

Visiting Greek PM stresses ‘critically important’ defense cooperation with Israel

Kyriakos Mitsotakis calls for ‘immediate and unconditional release’ of hostages, as well as a renewed ceasefire in Gaza that ‘will allow us all to...

30.03.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Defying ICC arrest warrant, Netanyahu to visit Hungary this week

Defying ICC arrest warrant, Netanyahu to visit Hungary this week

Prime minister expected to discuss controversial US Gaza rehabilitation plan with Orban, who has vowed not to act on international arrest order...

30.03.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

PM says cabinet voted to step up military pressure on Hamas in Gaza

PM says cabinet voted to step up military pressure on Hamas in Gaza

Netanyahu insists that increased pressure is the only way to free hostages, says Israel is willing to negotiate ‘final stage’ of deal and allow...

30.03.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel confirms it received new Gaza truce proposal from mediators, made counteroffer

Israel confirms it received new Gaza truce proposal from mediators, made counteroffer

Hamas said to agree to Egyptian proposal to free 5 living hostages for a 50-day ceasefire, which is reported to fall short of Jerusalem’s demands

29.03.2025 8

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Egypt’s plan would free 5 living hostages on day one, with releases every 7-10 days

Egypt’s plan would free 5 living hostages on day one, with releases every 7-10 days

Two diplomats say that the outline would guarantee talks on the second phase; Israel continues to deny receiving any new proposal from Cairo

27.03.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel’s US embassy hosts interfaith Ramadan iftar dinner

Israel’s US embassy hosts interfaith Ramadan iftar dinner

Representatives from Gulf states glaring absent amid ongoing war; Muslim leaders at event denounce Hamas and other extremist groups

26.03.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel ‘looking forward’ to Friedrich Merz’s tenure, says envoy to Germany

Israel ‘looking forward’ to Friedrich Merz’s tenure, says envoy to Germany

Ron Prosor is first foreign ambassador invited to meeting of heads of German states; he says the far-right AfD party has elements that the Jewish...

25.03.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Herzog says he’s ‘shocked’ Israel has lost its focus on the hostages

Herzog says he’s ‘shocked’ Israel has lost its focus on the hostages

President says country must ‘not lose eye contact’ with issue, as news cycle becomes dominated by government moves to fire top officials

25.03.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israeli officials say no decision made on military rule in Gaza

Israeli officials say no decision made on military rule in Gaza

Foreign Minister Sa’ar tells EU foreign policy chief that PA President Abbas is lying about reforms; Kaja Kallas says fighting in Gaza must stop and...

25.03.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu’s office says Shin Bet probe into police ministry aims to topple government

Netanyahu’s office says Shin Bet probe into police ministry aims to topple government

As he works to dismiss Ronen Bar, PM accuses security service of undermining ‘foundations of democracy’; Ben Gvir calls for spy chief’s arrest amid...

24.03.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel to discuss military control of Gaza with senior US officials: source

Israel to discuss military control of Gaza with senior US officials: source

Strategic Affairs Minister Dermer said planning to talk about a full takeover of Palestinian territory, including running humanitarian aid operations;...

24.03.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

‘Official,’ said to be PM, pushes conspiracy that Bar knew about Hamas attack but didn’t act

21.03.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Cabinet fires Shin Bet chief; PM claims lack of trust in Bar, who calls move invalid

In letter to ministers, Ronen Bar says Netanyahu intentionally sabotaged hostage deal, warns his ouster risks undermining investigation into Qatari...

21.03.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

‘Deeply troubled’ Herzog pans government for ‘divisive’ policies amid war

President lambastes attacks on civil servants, calls for Oct. 7 probe, doesn’t mention PM by name, amid demonstrations against ouster of Shin...

21.03.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Hamas squandered the few chances it had left. Will Netanyahu do the same?

Even after Trump took office, Hamas had opportunities to move toward the 2nd phase of the ceasefire deal. That window has closed, but will Israel now...

19.03.2025 9

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Vowing to press Gaza strikes, Netanyahu says hostage talks only to be held ‘under fire’

Premier says Hamas rejected all proposals for more releases, slams critics for suggesting he resumed fighting for his own political interests; ground...

19.03.2025 80

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

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;...

17.03.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

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...

17.03.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

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’...

15.03.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman