ILOwnership & classification
Founded: 2012
Ownership
The Times of Israel was founded in 2012 by Israeli journalist and founding editor David Horovitz together with American billionaire investor Seth Klarman, who is its primary funder and board chairman. It operates as a privately held company; Horovitz has said he and Klarman were its only investors. Both have stated that Klarman has no editorial control over the paper.
Funding
Funded by Klarman's private backing plus digital advertising, sponsored content and partnerships targeting English-speaking Jewish and pro-Israel audiences worldwide; Klarman has pledged to donate any profits to charity. It is not a registered nonprofit despite that pledge.
Affiliation & stance
The outlet is privately owned by its founders with editorial independence maintained from its financier, and presents a broadly mainstream, pro-Israel but politically varied range of coverage. Private commercial ownership free of party or state control makes it INDEPENDENT; the site's INDEPENDENT/CENTER labels are accurate.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 524
78/100
Factual
71/100
Objective
555
Articles
555
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Qatar denies funding Hamas after Israeli report claims Netanyahu ignored warnings over Gaza aid
Qatar denied allegations that it funded Hamas through 'humanitarian aid' in Gaza, stating these claims are being spread by Israel's far-right and political figures to shift focus from domestic issues. The claim originated from a report by Israeli journalist Ronen Bergman, who alleged that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was warned in 2019 about Qatari funds supporting Hamas's military wing. Israeli politicians like Naftali Bennett criticized Netanyahu for allegedly ignoring these warnings. Netanyahu's office dismissed the report as false and claimed it aimed to undermine his re-election campaign. They argued that the previous government under Bennett-Lapid had reinstated Qatari funding to Hamas, while Netanyahu had supported military actions in Gaza. Qatar reiterated that it provides aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza but does not support Hamas and has no interest in Israel's internal politics.
Ed Sheeran's fans back singer after controversy over Macklemore, Palestinians
Ed Sheeran's fans expressed continued support for the singer despite controversy surrounding the removal of rapper Macklemore from his tour due to Macklemore's comments on Palestine. Fans at Sheeran's Philadelphia concert emphasized their focus on music rather than politics, supporting both artists. Sheeran acknowledged making 'mistakes' during difficult decisions and addressed the issue of free speech and political activism. Macklemore was removed from the tour after stating 'Free Palestine,' prompting other supporting acts to withdraw in solidarity. Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near the venue to advocate for Gaza and Palestinian causes, while some attendees criticized Macklemore for bringing politics into the concert setting.
Peoples of Israel: Joel Haber, the cholent maven
The article introduces Joel Haber, referred to as 'the cholent maven,' who uses traditional Jewish cuisine to bring Jewish history to life. The piece highlights his work in connecting people with their heritage through food, specifically focusing on dishes like cholent. While the article does not delve into political matters, it presents Haber as a cultural figure promoting Jewish traditions through culinary practices.
The Houthis could tip the Iran war in Tehran's favor
The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran has reached a stalemate marked by mutual economic pressure and political maneuvering. With the collapse of a recent Memorandum of Understanding, both nations appear determined to endure the resulting hardships. However, a new development involving the Houthi movement in Yemen could shift the balance. The Houthis, who control much of Yemen and have established themselves as a de facto government, have recently intensified their military actions, including blocking Saudi Arabian shipping in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This move signals a shift in focus from supporting Palestinian causes to directly challenging Saudi Arabia. Recent clashes along the Saudi-Yemeni border, including claims of a drone attack over Mecca and the shooting down of a Saudi fighter jet, indicate rising tensions. Additionally, the Houthis' capture of strategic locations like the port of Mokha and Perim Island strengthens their position to disrupt maritime traffic. Meanwhile, an attack on a Saudi oil pipeline has further reduced the kingdom's oil exports, compounding regional instability.
US embassy in Israel issues security alert over Houthi-Saudi Arabia fighting
The US Embassy in Israel has issued a security alert regarding the ongoing conflict between the Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia, advising US citizens to remain vigilant due to the heightened threat posed by the Houthis. The alert notes the group's history of attacking civilian airports and highlights the increased risk associated with their activities. This follows similar warnings from other US diplomatic missions in the Middle East, indicating a broader concern about regional instability. The situation underscores the potential impact of the conflict on international travelers and expatriates.
As Iran and Houthis tighten screws on Saudi Arabia, potential role emerges for Israel
The article discusses the increasing pressure on Saudi Arabia from both Iran and the Houthi rebels, highlighting the country's challenges in securing its maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. It notes that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's existing military alliances and past engagements with Tehran have not provided sufficient protection. The piece suggests that Saudi Arabia may be seeking new security partnerships, potentially including Israel, as a response to these escalating threats.
IDF says Oct. 7 invader killed in Gaza; strikes across Strip reportedly leave 5 dead
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that Mohammed Suleiman Byouk, described as an 'invader' from October 7, was killed in Gaza while allegedly planting bombs and working to rebuild Hamas's military capabilities. Separate airstrikes across the Gaza Strip reportedly resulted in five fatalities, including a child, according to Palestinian media reports. The IDF did not confirm the casualties caused by its strikes but stated that Byouk was targeted due to his involvement in Hamas activities. Palestinian sources indicated multiple strike locations within Gaza, though specific details about the incidents were limited.
Senior Arab MK backs replacing Knesset speaker after election, hints minority government an option
Senior Arab member of Knesset (MK) Ahmad Tibi from the Joint List has expressed support for replacing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana following recent elections, arguing that this change would grant the opposition greater control over the parliamentary agenda. Tibi suggested that his coalition might go beyond merely recommending a Netanyahu rival as prime minister and could consider forming a minority government. This statement reflects growing tensions within Israeli politics regarding the balance of power between ruling parties and the opposition.
Europe braces for possible Russian escalation against it, as hybrid threats intensify
European countries are increasing their defensive measures in anticipation of potential Russian aggression, despite NATO stating there is no immediate threat. France has ordered the protection of critical infrastructure, Poland has enhanced its air defense capabilities, and Germany is preparing its hospitals for possible emergencies. These actions come amid growing concerns over hybrid threats from Russia, which include cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and other non-traditional forms of warfare. While European nations are taking precautionary steps, NATO has emphasized that there is currently no indication of an imminent attack.
President Herzog grants Elor Azaria pardon ahead of Yom Kippur, erases record
President Isaac Herzog pardoned IDF soldier Elor Azaria, erasing his criminal record for a 2016 manslaughter conviction involving a Palestinian attacker. Azaria had begun serving his sentence in August 2024 after being convicted for shooting Abdel Fatah al-Sharif during military service. The decision came ahead of Yom Kippur, with Herzog citing the passage of time, Azaria's expressed regret, and the importance of reconciliation. Defense Minister Israel Katz endorsed the pardon, emphasizing forgiveness and support for soldiers, noting Azaria's service and the need to 'leave the past behind.'
Denmark hails ‘binding’ Greenland deal with Trump giving US ‘permanent control’ of security
The article reports on a proposed agreement between Denmark and Greenland, which is set to be signed at the UN General Assembly. The deal aims to prevent Chinese and Russian military presence and 'sensitive investments' in Greenland's Arctic territory. However, it does not fully meet former U.S. President Donald Trump's goal of granting the United States permanent control over Greenland's security. The agreement is described by Denmark as 'binding,' indicating legal enforceability.
Trump bans 'fake news' CNN, MS NOW, Politico from White House 'effective immediately'
On September 18, 2026, US President Donald Trump announced a ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from accessing the White House, citing their dissemination of 'fake news.' Trump stated this decision was made through his social media platform, Truth Social, and warned other media outlets could face similar restrictions. The move sparked immediate concern regarding potential violations of the First Amendment, as CNN condemned the action as an unconstitutional attack on press freedoms. Legal experts noted that while the First Amendment protects freedom of the press, it does not guarantee unlimited access to government facilities. This follows ongoing litigation involving the Associated Press, where a federal judge previously ruled that restricting access might violate the First Amendment, though the ruling is currently on hold. The White House Correspondents' Association criticized the selective granting of press access as undermining journalistic independence.
IDF says it struck Hezbollah sites after terror group’s bomb wounded 2 troops
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed they targeted Hezbollah sites following a roadside bomb attack that injured two Israeli soldiers. The incident occurred in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah is active. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has expressed concerns about the potential security vacuum as peacekeeping forces prepare to withdraw from the region. The article highlights the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with the IDF asserting military action in response to the attack.