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 PRESIDENT Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Israel has a 28-month window before Trump leaves office to entrench the processes now underway in Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon, according to assessments heard at the MEAD conference in Washington.

Middle East faces critical window for change as Trump’s time in office runs down

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman

Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia could revive Israel-Saudi normalization efforts - analysis

A giant election campaign poster for the Amcha Yisrael party is displayed on a building at the entrance to Jerusalem ahead of the upcoming general elections, September 14, 2026.

Deadlock deepens as post-deadline polls leave both blocs short of 61 Knesset seats - analysis


'NAZA' wins acclaim while Fauda’s more complex Israel struggles for recognition - comment

NAZA’s Venice success may infuriate Israelis, but outrage alone will not counter its allegations. Israel needs evidence, context, and a rapid response before its claims become accepted truth.

Directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor pose during a photocall for the documentary "Naza" in Competition, at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, September 10, 2026.

Inside the lion’s den: Israel is quietly regaining respect at the UN, Danny Danon tells 'Post'

NATIONAL AFFAIRS: In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Danny Danon discusses Israel’s UN battle, changing alliances, UNIFIL, Guterres, and the future of Israeli diplomacy.

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE of Israel to the United Nations Danny Danon says Israel has begun to regain international respect and deterrence following its military successes against Hezbollah and Iran, even as hostility toward the country remains deeply entrenched at the organization.

No. 2: Benjamin Netanyahu: Shaping Israel’s politics and global image for a generation

Netanyahu has become more than Israel’s prime minister for many. Abroad, for instance, he has become Israel’s symbol and the lightning rod for much of the hatred directed against the Jewish state.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a Christian Conference in Jerusalem, on April 27, 2025

No. 37: Ron Dermer, Yechiel Leiter, Danny Danon: Diplomats, power broker making Israel’s case

The three Israeli politicians occupy important positions as the perception of Israel's wars is fought in the White House, at the UN, and across TV screens in the US.

(L-R): Ron Dermer, Yechiel Leiter, Danny Danon

Somaliland willing to send up to 2,000 troops to Gaza force, president says

“If they ask, we can provide,” Abdullahi said in an interview on the sidelines of the MEAD conference, stressing that although Somaliland is not volunteering, “if they ask me, I am ready.”

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi speaks during the unveiling of the Somaliland Mission premises in Nairobi, Kenya May 29, 2025.

Israel's measures against UK likely succeeded in diminishing British influence, Abrams says

Elliott Abrams said Israel's retaliatory measures against Britain were likely successful in limiting London's diplomatic influence.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband speaks at the House of Commons in London, Britain, September 8, 2026.

Dermer denies Netanyahu, UAE leader spoke before October 7 massacre, war

Dermer, one of Netanyahu’s closest confidants and a central figure in Israel’s relations with the US and the Gulf states, said he would have known had such a call taken place.

Ron Dermer speaks with Yaakov Katz at the MEAD Conference in Washington, DC.

MEAD conference opens in Washington as Israel, US face key regional decisions

The MEAD conference comes amid continued uncertainty over Iran, navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the situation in Lebanon, and efforts to advance a political and security framework for Gaza.

The MEAD conference kicked off in Washington on September 8, 2026.

Gafni’s ouster marks a changing era for Israel’s haredi parties - and for Netanyahu - analysis

By pushing Gafni out of the next Knesset, the party's rabbinic leadership has served notice that Netanyahu will have to win the haredim back rather than simply count them in.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen with United Torah Judaism (UTJ) MK Moshe Gafni during a 40-signatures debate, at the plenum hall of the Knesset, in Jerusalem, November 10, 2025

Taking eight grandchildren on a cruise was exhausting, expensive, and worth every shekel - opinion

An Israeli grandfather reflects on the noise, expense, and exhaustion of taking eight grandchildren on a cruise, and why bringing the whole family together is worth it.

The Haifa Port Company estimates that international cruise companies will return to activity gradually in the coming years