Herb Keinon

Herb Keinon is a senior contributing editor and analyst, writing extensively on diplomacy, politics and Israeli society.

He has been at the paper for 35 years, 20 of those as its diplomatic correspondent, and during this time has covered up close the major stories that have shaped the nation for more than three decades: from the first intifada to the withdrawal from Gaza; the massive immigration of Soviet Jews to the Rabin assassination; the Ariel Sharon premiership to that of Benjamin Netanyahu.

Keinon also writes a popular monthly "light" column on daily life in Israel. A collection of these columns, French Fries in Pita, was published in 2014.

Keinon lectures widely in Israel and around the world on political and diplomatic developments in the country.

Originally from Denver, Keinon has a BA in political science from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and an MA in journalism from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

US Vice President JD Vance speaks to members of the media in Kiryat Gat, Israel, October 21, 2025.

In bid to secure fragile Gaza peace, Donald Trump sends VP Vance to Israel - analysis

Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the Knesset plenum on October 20, 2025.

Campaign season begins as Knesset winter session opens – analysis

Hamas Nukhba Battalion terrorists who were captured on October 7th massacre seen in a jail cell at a prison in central Israel, where high risk Hamas and Hezbollah prisoners captured in recent war are being held, March 4, 2025.

What trials and punishments await Hamas's Nukhba terrorists in Israeli prisons? - analysis


Trump's friendship leaves Israel with little room to act as it needs

POLITICAL AFFAIRS: Strong support from one president or one party is a valuable asset. However, Trump will not be in the White House forever.

EVENTS OF the past week explain why Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was desperate for Donald Trump to return to the White House ahead of former vice president Kamala Harris.

IDF must ensure lessons of October 7 massacre are not lost amid the ceasefire's calm - analysis

As Israel enforces the Gaza ceasefire, every violation must be met with swift action. The early response will shape the future of peace and deter further Hamas provocations.

IDF soldiers prepare their weapons on a tank at a temporary army base opposite the Jabalya refugee camp in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023.

After the hostages’ return, Trump the director takes his bow in the Knesset - analysis

“You’ve won,” Trump told Israel, “and now you can build, you can do things you never even thought possible.”

US President Donald Trump addressing the Knesset in Israel, following the release of the last 20 living hostages from Gaza, October 13, 2025.

Hoshana Raba: A day of salvation and return for Israel's hostages - analysis

On Hoshana Raba, the final day of Sukkot, Israel celebrates the return of hostages after two years in captivity.

A woman in the colors of the US flag holds up a placard thanking US President Donald Trump in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square on October 9, 2025

Sentiments on Trump and Netanyahu clash at the square - analysis

Why does the same crowd that cheers for Trump boo for Netanyahu?

Activists gather at Tel Aviv's Hostage Square, October 11, 2025.

A time to recover: Israel's longest war ends in relief and more questions

NATIONAL AFFAIRS: Two years after October 7, Israel’s longest war ends not in euphoria but in weary relief – and with questions that will define what the ‘day after’ truly means.

OMER SHEM TOV and Amit Soussana delivered a message to the hostages still in Gaza.

When the news hits home - comment

News in Israel is always deeply personal. The signing of an agreement that promises an end to the war is the perfect example.

Hostage families in Washington upon receiving the news of President Trump’s announcement of an agreement that will bring all the hostages home.

Losing the thread: The unravelling of US support for Israel - analysis

Israel's story is no longer being told effectively, and the center of gravity in American society toward Israel is shifting because of it.

Israeli supporters against the Netanyahu government and its inability to bring the remaining hostages back home hold a demonstration in front of the New York offices of the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) on September 03, 2024 in New York City

I’ll always feel like an outsider but my kids won’t - comment

In the vast sweep of Jewish history, the shift from Diaspora Jew to Sabra is a profound transformation.

Being an immigrant is a feeling and a designation that lasts forever.

'Century' to 'Millennium': How Trump's Palestinian peace plans evolved in five years

NATIONAL AFFAIRS: Comparing Trump’s two grand peace plans – one that collapsed into the Abraham Accords, another designed to end a war.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump embrace in the White House in Washington, September 29, 2025.