Nitsan Keidar

Nitsan Keidar

News writer and diplomatic correspondent

News by Nitsan Keidar

Diplomatic source:

Diplomatic source: Cabinet will not meet until deal is finalized

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is insistent on finalizing all the details of the hostage deal before bringing it to the vote of the Security Cabinet and the Cabinet.

Diplomatic source: Cabinet will not meet until deal is finalized

In wake of hostage deal

Netanyahu speaks to Trump and Biden after hostage deal agreed upon

Prime Minister's Office says Netanyahu thanked Trump for his help in advancing the release of the hostages. Netanyahu also speaks to Biden, and thanks him for his help in advancing the deal.

Netanyahu speaks to Trump and Biden after hostage deal agreed upon

2024:

New record in heart transplants in Israel registered in 2024

The National Transplant Center reports an increase in kidney transplants. Approximately 1,481 patients are registered on the waiting list for an organ donation.

New record in heart transplants in Israel registered in 2024

Sa'ar to British counterpart:

Sa'ar to British counterpart: We want a deal, we'll soon know if Hamas does too

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar hosts British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The two discuss a number of regional issues, including Iran, Syria, and Lebanon.

Sa'ar to British counterpart: We want a deal, we'll soon know if Hamas does too

Minister Katz to IDF:

Minister Katz to IDF: Plan the total destruction of Hamas if hostages are not freed

The Minister of Defense instructed the IDF to come up with a plan to completely destroy the terror organization if it does not release the hostages before US President Trump takes office.

Minister Katz to IDF: Plan the total destruction of Hamas if hostages are not freed

Iranian ambassador criticizes Israeli ambassador at UN

The Iranian ambassador to the UN sent a letter to the Secretary-General, strongly criticizing the Israeli ambassador over claims regarding Iran's involvement in Yemen.

Iranian ambassador criticizes Israeli ambassador at UN

Poll:

Poll: Most Religious Zionists support haredi draft

A large majority - 72.5% - of Religious Zionists support some type of haredi draft; just 20% of haredim say agreement must be reached on Draft Law.

Poll: Most Religious Zionists support haredi draft

Foreign Minister:

Foreign Minister: New Syrian government is a gang of terrorists, not a stable gov't

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar discusses situation in Syria, noting threats to Israel and instability of new government.

Foreign Minister: New Syrian government is a gang of terrorists, not a stable gov't

Defense Minister:

Defense Minister: We'll deal with the Houthi leaders in Sana'a and everywhere in Yemen

Defense Minister Israel Katz visits Arrow missile defense battery which intercepted a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis in Yemen. 'Whoever sponsors Houthi terror will pay the price.'

Defense Minister: We'll deal with the Houthi leaders in Sana'a and everywhere in Yemen

Israel working to push European nations to recognize Houthis as terror group

Following increase in Houthi attacks on Israel, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar working to advance international recognition of Houthi rebels as a terror organization. 'Houthis continue to disrupt regional stability, present a challenge to world order.'

Israel working to push European nations to recognize Houthis as terror group

1st time:

Defense Minister says for 1st time that Israel eliminated Ismail Haniyeh

Minister Israel Katz confirms for first time that Israel eliminated the leader of Hamas in Tehran in warning to the Houthis.

Defense Minister says for 1st time that Israel eliminated Ismail Haniyeh

Sa'ar:

Sa'ar: We decided to put Ireland in the antisemitic corner

Foreign Minister Sa'ar meets dozens of influencers, opinion leaders, advocacy organizations, and experts: "You can see from the statements in Ireland that they are under great pressure."

Sa'ar: We decided to put Ireland in the antisemitic corner

Defense Minister Katz:

Defense Minister Katz: Israel will keep security control and freedom of operation in Gaza

Defense Minister Israel Katz denies reports that Israel is not interested in maintaining control of the Gaza Strip. 'We will not allow the reality to return to what it was before October 7th.'

Defense Minister Katz: Israel will keep security control and freedom of operation in Gaza

Defense Minister:

Defense Minister: We'll remain in the Hermon area during the winter months

Defense Minister Israel Katz instructs IDF to remain in conquered areas of the Hermon during the winter months. 'Enormously important for security.'

Defense Minister: We'll remain in the Hermon area during the winter months

FBI Director Chris Wray announces resignation

FBI Director Chris Wray announces he will resign at the conclusion of the Biden administration, a move spurred by pressure from Trump, who had signaled his intent to replace him.

FBI Director Chris Wray announces resignation

At Defense Minister's instruction:

At Defense Minister's instruction: IDF takes control of additional sites in Syria

Defense Minister Israel Katz orders IDF to destroy terror infrastructure, heavy weapons in southern Syria- including in the area beyond the buffer zone.

At Defense Minister's instruction: IDF takes control of additional sites in Syria

Manhunt continues for UnitedHealthcare CEO's murderer

NYC and Atlanta police are searching for the suspect in the murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare. He was shot outside an investors' meeting.

Manhunt continues for UnitedHealthcare CEO's murderer

Defense Minister:

Defense Minister: We separated Hezbollah from Lebanon, ceasefire violations can't continue

'If ceasefire collapses, Lebanon will no longer be exempt - we will enforce the agreement powerfully and with zero patience,' Defense Minister Israel Katz promises.

Defense Minister: We separated Hezbollah from Lebanon, ceasefire violations can't continue

Chief of Staff:

Chief of Staff: Enforcement of ceasefire will be even more determined than the fighting

IDF Chief of Staff Halevi comments on Lebanon ceasefire, says 'We are very, very determined to enforce the guidelines and bring about a completely different reality to the residents of the North.'

Chief of Staff: Enforcement of ceasefire will be even more determined than the fighting

Israel tightening the economic pressure on Hezbollah

Defense Minister Israel Katz imposes sanctions on dozens of Hezbollah-linked entities: We will reach anyone who supports terror - on every front and in every way.

Israel tightening the economic pressure on Hezbollah

Ceasefire proposal:

Ceasefire proposal: Israel puts pressure on US to veto UN proposal

Initiators of ceasefire proposal try to convince the US to avoid imposing a veto. 'I believe that the US will not lend a hand to an offensive and unilateral resolution,' says Ambassador Danon.

Ceasefire proposal: Israel puts pressure on US to veto UN proposal

Donated to Israel

Billionaire who donated to Israel | Trump names Howard Lutnick as Secretary of Commerce

President-elect announces that Howard Lutnick, Chairman & CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, is his nominee for Secretary of Commerce in his administration.

Billionaire who donated to Israel | Trump names Howard Lutnick as Secretary of Commerce

Netanyahu in Gaza:

Netanyahu in Gaza: 'Hamas will no longer be here, we'll hunt anyone who harms hostages'

PM and Defense Minister visit soldiers in the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, says Hamas governing capabilities are being dismantled along with its military capabilities.

Netanyahu in Gaza: 'Hamas will no longer be here, we'll hunt anyone who harms hostages'

Danon to UNRWA chief:

Danon to UNRWA chief: 'Look hostage's mother in the eye and ask for forgiveness'

Israeli UN Ambassador and Ayelet Samerano, mother of hostage Yonatan Somerano, confront UNRWA Dir. Philippe Lazzarini and call on him to resign over UNRWA's employment of killers and kidnappers.

Danon to UNRWA chief: 'Look hostage's mother in the eye and ask for forgiveness'

Defense Minister Katz:

Defense Minister Katz: 'We won't agree to a ceasefire that doesn't disarm Hezbollah'

Newly-appointed Defense Minister visits Northern Command, says 'We will not agree to any ceasefires, we will not take our foot off the pedal' against Hezbollah.

Defense Minister Katz: 'We won't agree to a ceasefire that doesn't disarm Hezbollah'

Minister of Defense:

Min. of Defense to IDF General Staff: 'Iran more exposed to damage to nuclear facilities'

Defense Minister, Israel Katz, at first meeting with IDF General Staff: 'There will be no ceasefire and no respite in Lebanon until the goals of war have been achieved'

Min. of Defense to IDF General Staff: 'Iran more exposed to damage to nuclear facilities'

86 years after Kristallnacht:

86 years after Kristallnacht: 96% of European Jews experience antisemitism

Israel's National Task Force for Countering De-legitimization and Fighting Antisemitism releases report on the rise of antisemitism in Europe and online in the year since the October 7 massacre,

86 years after Kristallnacht: 96% of European Jews experience antisemitism

Shocking Footage:

Shocking Footage: Suspect tried to abduct a child from a Jewish father

A Jewish father was walking with his two children in the Crown Heights neighborhood when suddenly a masked suspect attempted to grab one of the children. The suspect was arrested by the police.

Shocking Footage: Suspect tried to abduct a child from a Jewish father

Germany approves resolution aimed at countering antisemitism

The resolution, which received broad support, calls for ending public funding to any organization “that spreads antisemitism, calls into question Israel's right to exist or calls for a boycott of Israel.”

Germany approves resolution aimed at countering antisemitism

Haredi conscription

Gallant authorizes 7,000 additional pre-draft evaluation notices for Haredi recruits

Increasing the amount of summonses is meant to meet the goal set for conscription.

Gallant authorizes 7,000 additional pre-draft evaluation notices for Haredi recruits

Poll:

Poll: Most Israelis prefer Trump over Harris

24 hours before US elections: 72% of Israelis think Donald Trump is better for Israel vs. 11% prefer Kamala Harris.

Poll: Most Israelis prefer Trump over Harris

Lebanese PM:

Lebanese PM: 'Hope for a ceasefire within coming hours or days'

Prime Minister Najib Mikati confirmed that Lebanon would agree to a ceasefire deal with Israel that is based on the implementation of UN Resolution 1701.

Lebanese PM: 'Hope for a ceasefire within coming hours or days'

French court rules:

French court rules: Israeli companies must be allowed to participate in arms expo

The court ruled that contrary to the decision of the French government, Israeli companies must be allowed to participate in the Euronaval exposition in Paris.

French court rules: Israeli companies must be allowed to participate in arms expo

Report:

Report: Sinwar received offer to leave Gaza at the start of the war

The Wall Street Journal reveals new details about the period in which Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar fled from the IDF, and his behavior in the period leading up to his death.

Report: Sinwar received offer to leave Gaza at the start of the war

IDF spokesman:

IDF spokesman: We will soon strike economic targets belonging to Hezbollah

'In the coming days, we will reveal how Iran funds Hezbollah's terror activities by using civilian institutions, associations, and NGOs that act as fronts for terrorism,' IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari says.

IDF spokesman: We will soon strike economic targets belonging to Hezbollah

Minister Gallant threatens:

'Our response to Iran will be precise, painful and surprising'

Defense Minister Gallant to Director Generals of government ministries: 'The reason for direct fire from Iran - they have understood they are in a hopeless situation.'

'Our response to Iran will be precise, painful and surprising'

Netanyahu responds to attack:

Netanyahu responds to attack: Iran made a big mistake and it will pay for it

Prime Minister Netanyahu in the Cabinet: We will stand by the rule we established - whoever attacks us, we will attack him. This is true wherever we fight the axis of evil.

Netanyahu responds to attack: Iran made a big mistake and it will pay for it

Iran warns:

Iran warns: Israeli response will lead to violent attack

The Revolutionary Guards announced that they fired hundreds of missiles toward Israel and warned against a response that would lead to further attacks.

Iran warns: Israeli response will lead to violent attack

Defense Minister:

Defense Minister: Nasrallah elimination important, but not the final move

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant meets troops in IDF’s Armored Corps, stresses: 'Elimination of Nasrallah is an important step to ensure the return of Israel’s northern communities; we will employ all of our capabilities.'

Defense Minister: Nasrallah elimination important, but not the final move

Netanyahu in New York:

Netanyahu in New York: 'We won't stop striking Hezbollah, make no mistake'

Prime Minister Netanyahu landed in New York ahead of his UNGA address and declared: 'My policy, our policy, is clear: we continue to strike Hezbollah with full force.'

Netanyahu in New York: 'We won't stop striking Hezbollah, make no mistake'