menu_open Columnists
Nava Freiberg

Nava Freiberg

The Times of Israel

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Netanyahu claims IDF abandoned commitment to ‘victory’ as he assails ex-security chiefs

Netanyahu claims IDF abandoned commitment to ‘victory’ as he assails ex-security chiefs

PM touts military successes since Oct. 7 as he faces growing criticism over ongoing war in Gaza, calls Palestinian statehood an ‘illusion…...

14.08.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

UN chief warns Israel it may be put on sexual violence blacklist; in 1st, Hamas on list

UN chief warns Israel it may be put on sexual violence blacklist; in 1st, Hamas on list

In letter to Israeli envoy Danny Danon, Antonio Guterres cites ‘grave concern’ over sexual abuse of Palestinian detainees in prisons;...

13.08.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

‘There’s no solution’: Ex-terror chief Zubeidi laments failed Palestinian strategies

‘There’s no solution’: Ex-terror chief Zubeidi laments failed Palestinian strategies

Zubeidi, who organized dozens of attacks during Second Intifada and was freed in January truce, says Palestinians must ‘reconsider tools’;...

12.08.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

PM said to rule out partial hostage deals, as Trump backs more military pressure on Hamas

PM said to rule out partial hostage deals, as Trump backs more military pressure on Hamas

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer reportedly told security cabinet, before approval of Gaza takeover plan, that Israel should only pursue a deal...

12.08.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Netanyahu says Israel not looking to occupy Gaza but to ‘free it from Hamas’

Netanyahu says Israel not looking to occupy Gaza but to ‘free it from Hamas’

Speaking to foreign journalists, PM denies seeking to prolong war, says ‘civilian administration’ to govern Gaza, concedes that Israel is...

11.08.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

British ambassador: ‘Would be a huge mistake’ for Israel to occupy entire Gaza Strip

British ambassador: ‘Would be a huge mistake’ for Israel to occupy entire Gaza Strip

Speaking to reporters, Simon Walters says UK recognition of Palestine ‘part of a larger package’ to isolate Hamas, ‘absolutely,...

07.08.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

El Al offices in Paris defaced with ‘genocide airline’ graffiti

El Al offices in Paris defaced with ‘genocide airline’ graffiti

Transportation Minister Miri Regev blames ‘barbaric and violent act’ on Macron’s recognition of Palestinian state, as French...

07.08.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Trump: All of Middle East should join Abraham Accords after Iran nukes ‘obliterated’

Trump: All of Middle East should join Abraham Accords after Iran nukes ‘obliterated’

Islamic Republic says it executed nuclear scientist accused of passing on information to Mossad on key sites and colleagues killed during war with...

07.08.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Gaza takeover plan said set to last 4-5 months, focus on Gaza City, Strip’s center

Gaza takeover plan said set to last 4-5 months, focus on Gaza City, Strip’s center

Security cabinet expected to okay phased proposal despite top generals’ warnings this would endanger hostages; it would drive a million...

07.08.2025 80

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Netanyahu to convene security cabinet Thursday evening to approve Gaza war plans

Netanyahu to convene security cabinet Thursday evening to approve Gaza war plans

Military officials said to warn occupying Gaza will lead to heavy Israeli casualties; IDF says Hamas weapons plant struck in Gaza City, 107 pallets of...

06.08.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Foreign Ministry summons Polish envoy after Tusk slams Israel with Holocaust allusion

Foreign Ministry summons Polish envoy after Tusk slams Israel with Holocaust allusion

Dressing down comes in response to Polish premier referencing ‘the hell of World War II’ when condemning ‘politicians whose actions...

06.08.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Netanyahu holding talks on Gaza war plans as loyalists launch attacks on IDF chief

Netanyahu holding talks on Gaza war plans as loyalists launch attacks on IDF chief

Zamir hammered for reported objections to IDF fully occupying the Strip, PM’s son implies he’s leading a coup; opposition says government...

05.08.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

45 Palestinians said killed in Gaza, as Israel asks Red Cross to help hostages

45 Palestinians said killed in Gaza, as Israel asks Red Cross to help hostages

Netanyahu to decide this week whether to expand war, while international aid efforts mount amid Strip’s humanitarian crisis; 4 soldiers wounded...

04.08.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Sa’ar calls for world’s attention on hostages ahead of UN Security Council session

Sa’ar calls for world’s attention on hostages ahead of UN Security Council session

Foreign minister says he organized special UN session to ‘put an end to the phenomena of kidnapping civilians,’ slams Western media for...

04.08.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

PM said seeking ‘decisive military victory’ in Gaza, putting hostage families on edge

PM said seeking ‘decisive military victory’ in Gaza, putting hostage families on edge

Families Forum calls reported plans to expand war a ‘scam’ by Netanyahu, who expresses shock at clips of skeletal captives despite...

04.08.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Failing on the 8th front: The mounting cost of Israel’s dysfunctional public diplomacy

Failing on the 8th front: The mounting cost of Israel’s dysfunctional public diplomacy

As shocking images from Gaza shape global outrage and turn allies cold, officials say they are working to improve Israel’s messaging — but the...

01.08.2025 90

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

‘No more partial deals’: Official says Israel, US now back comprehensive plan to end war

‘No more partial deals’: Official says Israel, US now back comprehensive plan to end war

If actualized, stance would mark a major shift for Jerusalem, which had crafted phased framework, so it could maintain ability to resume fighting,...

01.08.2025 80

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Starmer rejects ex-hostage’s criticism of move to potentially recognize Palestine

Starmer rejects ex-hostage’s criticism of move to potentially recognize Palestine

Starmer says he ‘absolutely understands’ horror endured by Emily Damari in Hamas captivity but doubles down on position, citing Gaza...

31.07.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Suspect in Melbourne synagogue arson attack faces court

Suspect in Melbourne synagogue arson attack faces court

Police allege Giovanni Laulu, 21, was one of three masked men who set fire to Adass Israel Synagogue, injuring worshiper preparing for morning service

31.07.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

En route to Israel, German FM urges 2-state process, says too soon to recognize Palestine

En route to Israel, German FM urges 2-state process, says too soon to recognize Palestine

Key European ally not yet joining others in making move, but warns Israeli inaction testing Berlin’s patience; Wadephul to visit West Bank,...

31.07.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

PM meets Witkoff on talks logjam as Trump says Hamas surrender will end Gaza’s woes

PM meets Witkoff on talks logjam as Trump says Hamas surrender will end Gaza’s woes

US envoy reportedly expected to put pressure on Netanyahu to make concessions for hostage deal, will visit Gaza aid centers; French FM says GHF sites...

31.07.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

EU proposes cutting Israeli access to research funds over Gaza humanitarian crisis

EU proposes cutting Israeli access to research funds over Gaza humanitarian crisis

Israel says move is ‘regrettable, and unjustified,’ hopes EU member states will choose not to adopt proposal, which requires support from...

29.07.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Amnesty International accuses Iran of firing cluster munitions at Israel

Report says Tehran launched the munitions, which scatter bomblets over an expanded area, at central Israel and Beersheba, calls their use a war crime

24.07.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Israel to dispatch aircraft to Cyprus to help battle deadly wildfire

Police say two charred bodies found after being caught in inferno Wednesday; blaze forces evacuation of 14 villages as temperatures expected to peak...

24.07.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Foreign Ministry issues travel warning for Thai-Cambodian border amid lethal clashes

Thailand and neighboring countries are among most popular flight destinations for Israeli tourists, who are now urged to avoid ‘proximity to...

24.07.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Herzog, in Gaza, says Israel is acting ‘in accordance with international law’

The president, on his first visit to the enclave since October 7, also calls freeing the hostages the ‘most urgent mission’ and praises...

23.07.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Greek protesters block Israeli cruise ship from docking, forcing reroute to Cyprus

1,600 passengers aboard the ‘Crown Iris’ spend several hours waiting in vain to disembark in Syros as 300 protesters gather in and around...

22.07.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Trump again to pull US out of ‘woke’ UNESCO, citing anti-Israel bias

White House slams cultural agency’s ‘globalist agenda’ and stance on Palestine; Israel welcomes exit while UNESCO ‘regrets’ it,...

22.07.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

2 Israelis briefly held in Belgium after activists urge their arrest for ‘war crimes’

Civilian and soldier, who were attending Tomorrowland festival, released after questioning; Hind Rajab Foundation says they were responsible for Gaza...

21.07.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Israel refuses to renew visa for senior UN official over alleged anti-Israel slant

Citing ‘biased and hostile conduct,’ FM Sa’ar says permit for OCHA official Jonathan Whittall will not be renewed; Israeli official...

21.07.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

In English-language video, Netanyahu absolves himself of any blame for Oct. 7 attack

Facing coalition turmoil and growing criticism over Gaza conflict, PM hails his wartime actions, repeats claims that intel officials dismissed Hamas...

15.07.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Search ends for missing mariners from ship sunk by Yemen’s Houthis in Red Sea

Security firms say at least 4 presumed dead, 11 unaccounted for and 10 rescued from attack on Greek-owned Eternity C, a day after Iran-backed...

14.07.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Netanyahu slams charges against key aide as ‘baseless and unfounded’

Draft indictment alleges Jonatan Urich transmitted classified documents to harm state security, destroyed evidence

14.07.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

IDF said to warn against Gaza ‘humanitarian city’; ex-PM brands it ‘concentration camp’

Military reportedly tells ministers plan for large civilian zone may harm hostage talks, take months to build; opposition chief and international...

14.07.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

From raids to ransom: Israel’s hostage policy has become Hamas’s sharpest weapon

Leaders once chose rescues over negotiations. But for 50 years, public pressure and new terror tactics have led Israel to pay ever steeper prices —...

13.07.2025 90

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Israel urging US to resume strikes on Yemen’s Houthis, form broad coalition — report

Jerusalem said to tell Washington that attacks on ships in Red Sea ‘can no longer remain solely an Israeli problem’; Houthis launch a second...

11.07.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Israel, EU agree to boost Gaza aid: ‘More trucks, more crossings, and more routes’

Israel to open several aid corridors, including through Egypt and Jordan, allow bakeries and kitchens to reopen, ensure security for aid workers,...

10.07.2025 20

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Saudi, Syrian figures visit Knesset to talk up chances for normalization

Syrian activist Shadi Martini tells lobby new president called peace with Israel a ‘unique opportunity’; Gulf journalist Abdulaziz Alkhamis says...

09.07.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Israel says breakthrough on Gaza talks near after Trump-Netanyahu meeting

Following the leaders’ White House dinner, officials say 80–90 percent of truce terms agreed on; Israel insists on utter destruction of Hamas,...

08.07.2025 30

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Israel said to expect US backing for future strikes on Iran if it revives nuclear program

Meeting Netanyahu, Trump says he doesn’t expect Iran will revive hostilities, but US is ‘ready, willing and able’ if it does; PM likens...

08.07.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Iran’s president claims Israel tried to kill him, says open to new nuke talks with US

In interview with Tucker Carlson, Masoud Pezeshkian says Israel tried to bomb area where he was holding meeting, questions how he can trust Washington...

07.07.2025 10

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Herzog urges Netanyahu to brave ‘difficult’ choice on Gaza deal ahead of Trump meet

President says he fully supports efforts to bring back captives even if ‘cost is not simple,’ thanks Trump for help against Iran and ‘unwavering...

06.07.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Israeli leaders blast ‘vile’ attacks in Melbourne, demand Australia tackle antisemitism

Herzog says ‘intolerable’ to still be faced with ‘chilling image of an attempt to burn Jews alive’ after synagogue, Israeli restaurant...

06.07.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Netanyahu, US blame Hamas for grenade attack on Gaza Humanitarian Foundation workers

PM says world must ‘stand up and condemn’ Hamas for ‘terror attack,’ urges UN to end boycott and ‘instead work in partnership’ to feed...

06.07.2025 90

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

As sides await Hamas response to truce deal, Trump said to offer personal pledge to end war

Terror group says it’s holding discussions with other factions, as formal reply expected on Friday; Israeli official: Ceasefire may start next week...

04.07.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Freed US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander to meet Trump at White House Thursday

Released captive expected to ask US president to help free remaining hostages, four days before Trump sits down with Netanyahu

03.07.2025 40

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Israel said hoping to clinch comprehensive Gaza deal before PM’s US visit next week

Israeli TV reports that for first time the gov’t is seriously considering ending the war; Netanyahu said expected to ask Trump to press Qatar to...

03.07.2025 60

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Mossad hails Israel’s ‘historic’ Iran offensive, thanks CIA in rare public message

Israel a ‘safer, braver country,’ says Barnea; IDF chief Zamir discloses commandos operated inside Iran during 12-day war, says Iranian nuclear...

26.06.2025 70

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Israeli strikes hollowed out Iran’s leadership, but IRGC will remain dominant force

By targeting top military figures, Israel delivered a symbolic and strategic blow, though experts warn that regime may now ‘move in a much more...

25.06.2025 80

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg

Report: Trump finalized Iran attack plan last Wednesday, with Vance fully on board

Netanyahu, a handful of other ministers were aware of decision to carry out strike but kept quiet; Israeli jets said to have hit air defense sites to...

23.06.2025 50

The Times of Israel

Nava Freiberg