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Lazar Focus

Lazar Focus

Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman explores what's behind the news that spins the globe

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Elizabeth Tsurkov: Sharaa’s Syria is no threat to Israel

October 9, 2026

The former jihadists ruling Damascus are keen to stay in power, says Middle East scholar, adding that Lebanon's government is trying to avoid civil war, not take on Hezbollah

Alan Shatter: Palestine ‘cult’ endangers future of Irish Jews

October 2, 2026

As Ireland works itself into a fury over a soccer match, a leading pro-Israel ex-minister says Sinn Fein 'poisoned' Irish politics, and many Jews question whether they should stay

Benny Gantz: Netanyahu is responsible for October 7, dividing society

September 18, 2026

Blue and White leader and former defense minister says no problem can be solved without unity government, that Israel must be strong while keeping its morals — and that he won't drop out

Yossi Abravanel: Despite sanctions, Israel must keep communication open with Europe

September 11, 2026

The UK, France, and Canada announced unprecedented sanctions against settlements. Domestic politics might be behind the moves, but Israel must not go too far in its response.

Bjorn Lomborg: Energy, climate, and the fight for a better world

August 14, 2026

The Iran war emphasized how reliant we are on fossil fuels; a leading Danish thinker explains how we should think about energy needs, global warming, and the welfare of mankind

Is there really progress in Trump’s Gaza, Lebanon and Iran talks?

On all three fronts, mediators claim progress. Trump is still chasing terrible agreements with Tehran, but in Lebanon and even in Gaza, there is reason for cautious optimism