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

The only Iran deal Trump can get is no better than Obama’s ‘horrible’ JCPOA

The only Iran deal Trump can get is no better than Obama’s ‘horrible’ JCPOA

The US president pulled out of his predecessor’s 2015 agreement, saying it didn’t address Tehran’s ballistic missiles or proxies. Neither will...

18.05.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Somaliland’s first ambassador in country’s history presents credentials to Herzog

Somaliland’s first ambassador in country’s history presents credentials to Herzog

Dr. Mohamed Hagi, adviser to Somaliland’s president and architect of ties with Israel, to serve as top envoy; Herzog hails ‘important new...

18.05.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel built two covert military bases in Iraq to support Iran strikes – report

Israel built two covert military bases in Iraq to support Iran strikes – report

NYT says Israel built first base in country in late 2024; soldier and civilian killed to protect the secret; this year, Israel built another...

17.05.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

‘Now 60%’: Netanyahu admits Israel taking more territory in Gaza, despite ceasefire

‘Now 60%’: Netanyahu admits Israel taking more territory in Gaza, despite ceasefire

PM confirms to cabinet the IDF is pushing past the Yellow Line demarcating the 53% of Gaza that Israel retained under US-brokered truce; IDF strikes...

17.05.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu convenes security cabinet amid reports Israel, US preparing Iran strikes

Netanyahu convenes security cabinet amid reports Israel, US preparing Iran strikes

PM to speak with Trump, who warns of ‘calm before the storm’; drone strikes UAE nuclear power station, sparking a fire; Iran media says US offered...

17.05.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Dakar Eilat: Inside prisons for Hamas terrorists

Dakar Eilat: Inside prisons for Hamas terrorists

An ex-prison commander reacts to The New York Times sexual abuse allegations, gives personal insights into treatment of prisoners, and explains who...

15.05.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel to sue NY Times over opinion alleging widespread rape of Palestinian prisoners

Israel to sue NY Times over opinion alleging widespread rape of Palestinian prisoners

Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Sa’ar, say piece by columnist Nicholas Kristof is ‘one of the most hideous and distorted lies ever published against...

14.05.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Hezbollah drone threat is serious, but blown out of proportion, IDF tells ToI in Lebanon

Hezbollah drone threat is serious, but blown out of proportion, IDF tells ToI in Lebanon

In Khiam, southern Lebanon, Givati officers say UAV attacks prove that ‘the enemy are cowards,’ take TOI into Hezbollah tunnel found deep under...

14.05.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

IDF officers said to tell PM Jewish terror accounts for up to 80% of West Bank incidents

IDF officers said to tell PM Jewish terror accounts for up to 80% of West Bank incidents

Officers reportedly decry lack of tools to address the issue, which they warn is distracting them from offensive operations; Palestinian teen said...

14.05.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu reveals he secretly visited UAE during Iran war, hails ‘historic breakthrough’

Netanyahu reveals he secretly visited UAE during Iran war, hails ‘historic breakthrough’

Source says PM’s meeting with the Emirati president took place on March 26 in a city close to the Oman border; trip marks first confirmed visit by...

13.05.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Trump says US will ‘finish the job’ against Iran, ‘peacefully or otherwise’

Trump says US will ‘finish the job’ against Iran, ‘peacefully or otherwise’

‘I don’t think we need any help with Iran,’ US president insists as he heads to China; Islamic Republic remains defiant, claims US must accept...

13.05.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Hezbollah chief: Iran-US deal is best chance to end Israeli ‘aggression’ in Lebanon

In letter to operatives of Iran-backed terror group, Naim Qassem also blasts Lebanese government’s direct negotiations with Israel and insists...

12.05.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Iran says forces ready to respond to attacks as Trump reportedly mulls renewing war

Ghalibaf says only option is to accept ‘rights of the Iranian people’ laid out in ceasefire proposal; Pakistan reportedly hosting Iran’s...

12.05.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu defends Mossad chief pick after reportedly blasting Barnea for opposition

PM suggests attempts to disqualify nomination of Roman Gofman are due to IDF general not being ‘part of the clique’ or ‘political considerations’

11.05.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

EU foreign ministers approve sanctions on violent Israeli settlers, Hamas leaders

New Hungarian leadership lifts veto on measure, which targets 7 organizations and individuals; FM Sa’ar ‘firmly rejects’ decision and implied...

11.05.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu convenes security meeting; Iran calls US greatest threat to world peace

Turkish FM to meet Qatari counterpart for talks on Strait of Hormuz, as Iranian media claims oil tanker passed through; UK and France to host virtual...

11.05.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Past top Israeli, US officials reveal new vision for ties rooted in tech partnership

As US support drops, ex-envoy Tom Nides and ex-IDF intel chief Amos Yadlin present Technology Alliance, in which both countries would invest $2...

11.05.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

AG says High Court should strike down Gofman’s appointment as next Mossad director

Baharav-Miara says appointments panel process was flawed since members did not review the dissenting opinion, were kept from seeing documents on use...

10.05.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Chile to return ambassador to Israel after more than two years

Right-wing president José Antonio Kast tells Herzog he wants to restore ties, expand cooperation after sharp deterioration of diplomacy under leftist...

08.05.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

LTC Nadav Shoshani: Is Israel telling the right story to the world?

Outgoing IDF spokesman says he recognizes the challenge and that Israel’s reputation is abysmal. Still, he says that his unit is performing well in...

08.05.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

US said hoping to resume Hormuz naval escorts as it awaits Iran’s response to peace offer

Project Freedom could renew after Saudi Arabia, Kuwait lift restrictions on US using its airspace, bases, WSJ reports; White House said expecting...

07.05.2026 40

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

With ceasefires on three fronts, hoped-for war gains suspended in dangerous limbo

In Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, much has been achieved, but by no means has Israel accomplished all its goals, and Trump’s desperation for a deal is...

07.05.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

30 Democratic lawmakers ask Rubio to reveal details of Israel’s nuclear program

Letter, which is expected to be ignored, claims US ‘cannot develop a coherent nonproliferation policy’ for Mideast without disclosing details on...

06.05.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Iran ceasefire ‘not over,’ US ‘not looking for a fight,’ Hegseth says after Tehran fires on Gulf

US defense secretary’s remarks follow report that Israel, US planning fresh round of strikes on Iran’s energy sites, senior officials; Trump:...

05.05.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Hunted by drones it should have seen coming, Israel’s Lebanon strategy is now at risk

Years after drone warfare transformed other battlefields, the IDF seems caught off guard by Hezbollah’s effective use of first-person and...

04.05.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu says project to counter drone threat underway, but ‘will take time’

Hezbollah’s first-person view drones killed a soldier in south Lebanon last week and have caused dozens of injuries

03.05.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Ship Ukraine says carries stolen grain will not offload in Israel after diplomatic row

Israeli official says decision made by importer, not government; Kyiv praises ‘welcome development,’ vows to keep tracking shipments of grain...

30.04.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Police arrest man suspected of attacking French nun at Jerusalem biblical site

Suspect detained after alleged Mount Zion attack that left sister with bruised face; amid outcry, police say they treat assaults on clergy with...

30.04.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Senior diplomat meets Russian envoy, spurns EU rep amid stolen Ukraine grain fight

Jerusalem says ‘tweets’ from Kyiv not sufficient to prove grain seized by Russia is reaching Israel; Ukraine working with EU to sanction those...

30.04.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

After rejecting Iran’s proposal to open Hormuz, Trump says talks ongoing over the phone

US president: Iran ‘choking like a stuffed pig’; Iranian parliament speaker says Trump imposing blockade to make Iran ‘collapse from within’;...

29.04.2026 50

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Cabinet approves ex-UK envoy Hotovely to lead National Public Diplomacy Directorate

Former envoy will fill diplomacy position that has been vacant for two years; ministers also okay Doron Cohen as civil service commissioner

26.04.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

David Rosen: Israel doesn’t adequately understand Christian relations

After an IDF soldier smashes a statue of Jesus in Lebanon, an interfaith leader says Israel has no strategy on ties, must improve education on modern...

24.04.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Repeatedly deferring to Trump, Netanyahu subjects Israeli security to US president’s whim

PM has gained much from throwing his lot in with president, but US leader’s predilection for premature ceasefires and trusting enemies puts country...

23.04.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

New round of Israel-Lebanon talks set for Thursday as US said trying to extend truce

Talks to take place in Washington with envoy Yechiel Leiter leading Israeli side; Hezbollah lawmaker says terror group to remain armed; Lebanese PM:...

20.04.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Polish FM says IDF soldiers ‘admit to war crimes,’ setting up clash with Sa’ar

Israel’s top diplomat says ‘baseless’ accusations from his Warsaw counterpart reveal ‘profound ignorance,’ lauds IDF’s...

20.04.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Destruction of Jesus statue should serve as moral wake-up call for IDF, Israel

Israel boasts about being safe for Christians and other minorities, yet is unwilling to crack down on soldiers and civilians whose actions are taking...

20.04.2026 90

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel announces exposure of Iranian terror network targeting Israelis abroad

Arrests by Azerbaijan over planned synagogue and embassy attacks exposed drone plots and intelligence gathering operations; ringleaders killed during...

20.04.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Milei, Netanyahu announce Tel Aviv-Buenos Aires flights, ink strategic Isaac Accords

Netanyahu says South American political shifts mark return to ‘alliance of freedom’; Argentinian president says he’ll Jerusalem embassy move...

19.04.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Trump says talks to take place Tuesday, as Iran cagey on whether it will take part

US president says he’s optimistic on prospects for deal, threatens to blow up bridges and power plants if Tehran doesn’t agree to demands;...

19.04.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Trump managing Iran war based on conflicting caprices that blindside his aides — report

WSJ says advisers have urged US president to curb his improvised social media posts and media interviews; Trump yelled at aides ‘for hours’ when...

19.04.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu: Long ‘road to peace’ begins, as Trump says Israel ‘PROHIBITED’ from bombing Lebanon

10-day ceasefire largely appears to hold even as Lebanese media report Israeli strike on motorcycle; Hezbollah says its ‘finger on the trigger’;...

17.04.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

UK police search near Israel’s London Embassy after threat of drone attack with ‘dangerous substances’

Officers in protective gear search surrounding area after terror group posts video claiming attack; police say no evidence of strike, no danger to...

17.04.2026 60

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Moran Zaga: The Gulf states react to humiliation by Iran

Wealthy countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar sought stability by diplomacy with Tehran. But they were hit hard by Iran, forcing them to...

17.04.2026 90

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

After Hungary’s Orban loses, Czech FM says Prague will remain ‘advocate’ for Israel

Petr Macinka says he is reopening discussion of moving embassy to Jerusalem, no matter what EU thinks; says leftist anti-Israel feeling ‘almost a...

15.04.2026 80

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Ukraine says Russian ship carrying stolen grain docked at Haifa, asks Israel to detain it

Ambassador said to have initially asked Israel to prevent the vessel from docking; Ukraine’s FM tells Sa’ar ‘illegal trade with stolen goods...

15.04.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Israel-Lebanon talks unlikely to yield much until Iran undergoes fundamental change

Beirut wants a ceasefire and Jerusalem wants to disarm Hezbollah. But as long as Tehran is able to keep backing its Lebanese proxy, both seem...

15.04.2026 90

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Trump: Iran talks may renew in 2 days; Mossad chief: Our mission isn’t over until regime falls

US president gives contradictory accounts about speed of progress in negotiations; Barnea says Israel planned for campaign aimed at regime change...

14.04.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Italy halts defense agreement with Israel amid Mideast conflict, PM Meloni says

Jerusalem downplays Rome’s decision not to renew MOU, which expired Monday, insists it won’t impact security; petition to reassess EU ties with...

14.04.2026 100

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu rebukes Europe as Israel commemorates Holocaust in shadow of Iran war

PM says continent ‘afflicted by deep moral weakness,’ Israel now defending it; Herzog urges national unity, eulogizing fallen soldier whose...

13.04.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman

Netanyahu: Iran ceasefire could end at any moment, we back Trump’s blockade

PM says US walked away from talks over red lines on Hormuz, enriched uranium; ahead of US operation in strait, IDF says it remains on ‘heightened...

13.04.2026 70

The Times of Israel

Lazar Berman