Nitsan Keidar

Nitsan Keidar

News writer and diplomatic correspondent

News by Nitsan Keidar

Why Trump's Ukraine policies have US Jews worried

Jewish People Policy Institute poll shows majority of US Jews fear President Trump's policy toward Ukraine will negatively impact Israel.

Why Trump's Ukraine policies have US Jews worried

House committees probe US funding to groups linked to anti-government protests in Israel

Two House committees investigating six organizations that received federal funding under the Biden administration, examining whether the grants were used to influence Netanyahu’s political standing during the judicial reform protests.

House committees probe US funding to groups linked to anti-government protests in Israel

Security Cabinet approves:

Sec Cabinet approves: Israel to manage administration for 'voluntary relocation' from Gaza

Defense Minister Israel Katz approves proposal to set up administration for 'voluntary relocation' administration from Gaza, 'We will assist any Gazan resident who wishes to relocate.'

Sec Cabinet approves: Israel to manage administration for 'voluntary relocation' from Gaza

Defense Minister:

Defense Minister: If Hamas continues its refusal, Israel will take more land from Gaza

Defense Minister Israel Katz instructs IDF to prepare to take over areas of Gaza, so long as Hamas refuses to agree to deal to release Israeli hostages.

Defense Minister: If Hamas continues its refusal, Israel will take more land from Gaza

Senator Chuck Schumer:

Senator Chuck Schumer: 'Antisemitism in US reaching new heights'

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says he is 'appalled' by the rise in antisemitism since October 7th.

Senator Chuck Schumer: 'Antisemitism in US reaching new heights'

Diplomatic achievement: Anti-Israel conference prevented

Anti-Israel conference of countries signatory to the Geneva Convention, intended to harm Israel, prevented thanks to intensive efforts by the Foreign Ministry.

Diplomatic achievement: Anti-Israel conference prevented

American-Israeli diplomat Dr. Dore Gold passed away at 71

Gold served as the director of the Foreign Ministry, Israeli Ambassador to the UN, and diplomatic advisor to PM Netanyahu, and was among those who laid the foundations for the Abraham Accords.

American-Israeli diplomat Dr. Dore Gold passed away at 71

PMO to IDF:

PMO to IDF: 'Why were Oct. 7 investigations not presented to PM?'

Gvura Forum chairman, who lost his son in battle on October 7, expresses anger that the families of those who were killed during the massacre were not allowed to examine the results of the investigations before they are to be publically released.

PMO to IDF: 'Why were Oct. 7 investigations not presented to PM?'

New measures against PA payments to terrorists

Defense Minister Israel Katz imposed sanctions on released security prisoners, Israeli residents, and citizens receiving payments from the Palestinian Authority.

New measures against PA payments to terrorists

Netanyahu:

Netanyahu: 'As I promised, Hamas and PA won't be in Gaza the day after'

PM says he is committed to President Trump's plan to change the reality in the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu: 'As I promised, Hamas and PA won't be in Gaza the day after'

Minister Katz:

Minister Katz: 'Whoever enters the buffer zone takes his life in his hands'

Defense Minister Israel Katz commented on footage of Gazans walking around 300 meters away from the border with Israel: 'Zero tolerance for anyone who threatens IDF forces or the fence area and the communities.'

Minister Katz: 'Whoever enters the buffer zone takes his life in his hands'

Khamenei:

Khamenei: 'Negotiations with the USA will be neither clever nor respectful'

Ali Khamenei declared that his country was not interested in negotiations with America despite Trump's sanctions.

Khamenei: 'Negotiations with the USA will be neither clever nor respectful'

Defense Minister:

Defense Minister: 'Countries that criticized Israel must accept Gazan immigrants'

Defense Minister Israel Katz says IDF will prepare detailed plan to enable implementation of President Trump's vision for immigration of Gazans.

Defense Minister: 'Countries that criticized Israel must accept Gazan immigrants'

Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger, and Gadi Mozes to be freed tomorrow

PMO says it has received the names of the 3 hostages who will be released by Hamas tomorrow. 5 Thai citizens will also be released.

Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger, and Gadi Mozes to be freed tomorrow

Netanyahu's office:

Netanyahu's office: Arbel Yehud and two other hostages will be released on Thursday

Prime Minister's Office confirms Qatar's announcement that there will be two hostage releases this week, in exchange for the opening of the Netzarim Corridor.

Netanyahu's office: Arbel Yehud and two other hostages will be released on Thursday

Defense Minister:

Defense Minister: 'Next Chief of Staff must lead an offensive policy'

Defense Minister, Israel Katz, concludes a round of interviews with candidates for the IDF Chief of Staff position.

Defense Minister: 'Next Chief of Staff must lead an offensive policy'

PM to freed hostages' parents:

PM to freed hostages' parents: 'We didn't give up and we won't give up on the others'

Netanyahu speaks with the parents of the 3 hostages who were freed on Sunday. Families ask PM not to stop until all remaining hostages are returned.

PM to freed hostages' parents: 'We didn't give up and we won't give up on the others'

The letter Biden left for Trump at the White House

Trump discloses the contents of the letter left for him by Biden upon his departure from the Oval Office: I wish you and your family all the best in the next four years. May God bless you and guide you as He has blessed and guided our beloved country since our founding.

The letter Biden left for Trump at the White House

Senator Tom Cotton:

Senator Tom Cotton: 'Hostages still in Gaza because Biden didn't back Israel'

Republican Senator Tom Cotton defends Israel, saying deal with Hamas is bad: 'We shouldn't negotiate with terrorists, or ask Israel or any other country to negotiate with terrorists.'

Senator Tom Cotton: 'Hostages still in Gaza because Biden didn't back Israel'

Poll:

Poll: Majority in US believe hostage deal secured thanks to Trump

According to a Harvard Harris poll, 79% of US citizens support Israel and its actions in Gaza, 21% support Hamas.

Poll: Majority in US believe hostage deal secured thanks to Trump

Netanyahu:

Netanyahu: We'll achieve the goals of the war, we'll bring back all the hostages

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to Israeli public for the first time following signing of ceasefire deal with Hamas, promising to achieve all goals of the war and responding to criticism.

Netanyahu: We'll achieve the goals of the war, we'll bring back all the hostages

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