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 627
81/100
Factual
72/100
Objective
682
Articles
682
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
Economic warfare: Bankrupting Iran will be more effective than bombing - opinion
The article argues that economic warfare could be more effective than military bombing in undermining Iran's ability to sustain its military and terrorist activities. It highlights that while military strikes can destroy physical assets, they do not prevent Iran from rebuilding if it maintains access to foreign currency and international markets. The author notes that the war has caused approximately $270 billion in damage, equivalent to 57% of Iran's GDP, with ongoing economic decline threatening to set the country back by several years. The piece emphasizes that Iran's economy was already weakened by sanctions, corruption, and international isolation, making it vulnerable to further economic deterioration. The author distinguishes between the Iranian people and the ruling mullahs, criticizing the regime for prioritizing militarization over domestic welfare. The article references President Trump's 'Operation Economic Fury' as an intensified effort to apply economic pressure through secondary sanctions.
IDF strikes Hamas terror cell, resuming preemptive strikes despite Trump's Gaza deal
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a preemptive airstrike against a Hamas terror cell in Khan Yunis, marking the second such attack in two days following a temporary pause imposed by a U.S.-Hamas deal in late July. Military sources stated that the targeted cell was not among Hamas' most senior leadership but was actively planning an attack against Israeli forces. The IDF has restricted attacks on high-ranking Hamas figures and strategic assets since the deal, but continues to target operatives preparing to carry out attacks. This approach allows the IDF to act preemptively to prevent potential incidents, especially in areas where Hamas controls access. While the IDF maintains that its soldiers are not being restricted from self-defense, the U.S. appears to support this strategy until Hamas begins disarming. The strike followed the IDF’s earlier decision to halt attacks on certain Hamas targets under the terms of the agreement.
Eisenkot Vows No Palestinian State After Arab Party Leader Urges Recognition
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Eisenkot has stated that Israel will not recognize a Palestinian state, responding to calls by an Arab party leader who urged the recognition of Palestine. The statement comes amid ongoing discussions and tensions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and potential peace negotiations. Eisenkot's position reflects a hardline stance within Israeli politics, emphasizing security concerns and territorial integrity. This development highlights the continued challenges in achieving a two-state solution and the internal divisions within Israeli leadership on the issue.
Italy is having a Yiddish moment. An unprecedented I.J. Singer translation is part of the boom.
The article discusses the recent publication of I.J. Singer's previously untranslated Yiddish travel writings about America, translated into Italian by Enrico Benella and published by Giuntina, an Italian Jewish publishing house. These writings, originally penned in 1932 during Singer's visit to the U.S., offer insights into early 20th-century American life from a European Jewish perspective. The collection includes visits to various locations such as New York, Hollywood, and Detroit, reflecting Singer's observations of American society. The publication coincides with a renewed interest in Yiddish literature in Italy, driven by digital archives and new translations. The article highlights the cultural significance of Yiddish literature and notes that while I.J. Singer was once more prominent than his brother Isaac Bashevis Singer, his works have since been overshadowed.
Likud internal primaries begin as tensions continue over Netanyahu's expanded slate controls
The Likud Party in Israel began its internal primaries on August 17, 2026, allowing approximately 140,000 registered members to vote for candidates who will form the party's Knesset slate ahead of the October 27 elections. The process comes amid heightened internal tensions over reforms that increased Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's influence over the party's electoral list, making the competition more intense than in previous years. Candidates vying for prominent positions on the list aim to secure influential roles in the government if Netanyahu wins re-election. Netanyahu emphasized his support for the process, stating he would personally vote for a 'winning slate' while claiming not to interfere in the selection. The changes, approved by the Likud Central Committee, grant him authority over eight slots in the top 30 positions, sparking concerns among opponents who fear the reforms could disadvantage some candidates. With the party holding around 40 current ministers and lawmakers but projected to win only about 22 seats, many are worried about potential losses on the Knesset list.
Ballot battlefield takes shape as sides tussle over voters homebound and homeward bound
In preparation for Israel's upcoming elections, political campaigns have expanded beyond traditional boundaries, targeting Israeli voters abroad and within the country through unconventional tactics. A notable example includes a political billboard in Cyprus featuring Gadi Eisenkot, a rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aimed at Israeli tourists. This strategy highlights the growing importance of securing votes from expatriates and elderly populations, often associated with center-left support. The election campaign has become highly contentious, with disputes over polling locations, voter transportation, and allegations of voter intimidation raising concerns about the fairness of the electoral process. Experts suggest this election could redefine Israel's political landscape, with increased polarization and challenges to the credibility of election authorities.
In historic first, Argentine judge defrocked over antisemitic social media posts
An Argentine federal judge, Alfredo Eugenio López, was removed from office in 2026 after being found guilty of antisemitic misconduct on social media. The ruling by Argentina’s Jury of Impeachment cited his use of derogatory terms like 'brood of vipers' and 'fictitious state' to describe Israel and Jewish communities, which violated judicial ethics. The case was initiated by the Jewish community organization DAIA and other anti-antisemitism groups. López defended his posts as personal opinions, claiming they did not impact his judicial impartiality. A jury member criticized his behavior as 'disgraceful,' noting multiple instances of hate speech.
Palestinian teen shot dead after unauthorized settler ‘hike’ near village sparks clashes
A 17-year-old Palestinian teenager was shot dead by a settlement security coordinator during an incident involving unauthorized settlers hiking near a village. Footage reportedly shows a building on fire after being allegedly set ablaze by the settlers. The event has sparked clashes between Palestinians and Israeli authorities, highlighting tensions in the region.
Jerusalem Light Rail unveils largest extension in 15 years, with new ‘Green Line’
The Jerusalem Light Rail has announced its largest expansion in 15 years, introducing a new 'Green Line' that connects the Malha neighborhood in southern Jerusalem to the city center over a 7-kilometer route with 13 stations. The extension aims to improve transportation connectivity within the city and is planned to eventually extend to Mount Scopus by the end of the year. This development highlights ongoing efforts to enhance public transit infrastructure in Jerusalem.
Yehuda Katz buried on Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives, 44 years after falling in Lebanon battle
The funeral of Yehuda Katz, an Israeli soldier who died in a 1978 battle in Lebanon, was held on Jerusalem's Mount of Olives after his remains were recently located and returned to Israel. The ceremony took place several days after the remains were recovered, highlighting the significance of bringing fallen soldiers home. Rabbi and former tank commander participants emphasized that Katz's life demonstrated the compatibility between serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and adhering to Jewish religious traditions. The event underscores both the personal legacy of Katz and broader themes of national identity and military service.
Iran vows ‘devastating’ response after US threatens toughest-ever economic hit
The Iranian army chief has vowed a 'crushing' retaliatory response to what he describes as new threats from the United States. This comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the U.S., where the latter has reportedly threatened the most severe economic sanctions yet against Iran. Meanwhile, Iran's parliament speaker accused both the U.S. and Israel of engaging in 'cognitive warfare,' suggesting psychological or informational attacks. President Ebrahim Raisi stated that Iran is currently in a position of power and called for an end to the ongoing conflict.
Palestinian shot dead trying to stab soldier; was father of terrorist who killed 3 in TLV
A Palestinian man named Fathi Zidan Hazem, 58, was shot dead by Israeli military forces while attempting to stab a soldier. The incident occurred during a raid aimed at arresting him. Hazem is the father of Raad Zidan Hazem, who in 2022 opened fire at a Tel Aviv bar, killing three people. The article also mentions that settlers reportedly torched a quarry, though there were no reported injuries or arrests related to this action.
Yossi Klein Halevi: Why Jewish extremism is so seductive – and dangerous
Yossi Klein Halevi, the author of 'Memoirs of a Jewish Extremist,' discusses the psychological appeal and dangers of Jewish extremism, particularly focusing on fringe settlers in the West Bank. Drawing from his personal experiences, he explores why such ideologies become seductive to individuals and the broader implications for Israeli society and the region. The piece highlights the tensions between traditional Jewish values and radical interpretations, while emphasizing the risks these movements pose to stability and peace efforts. It does not provide direct commentary on specific policies or political figures but centers on the ideological underpinnings of extremist behavior.