Isabel Kershner
I am a reporter for The New York Times in Jerusalem, covering Israeli and Palestinian affairs. What I Cover Along with several Times colleagues in Jerusalem, I cover Israeli politics, society and culture. I also cover Palestinian affairs with a focus on the Palestinian minority in Israel. I am particularly interested in political, societal and generational change in Israel and how the various sectors of the population interconnect and compete for influence in a deeply divided country facing significant domestic and external challenges, and where there is no separation of religion and state. I write news stories, analysis pieces, and more colorful features. To do so, I interact with officials and people from all walks of Israeli life, often traveling around the country. I also follow Israeli popular culture and enjoy writing stories about cultural events that stir internal debate. My Background I joined The Times’s Jerusalem bureau in 2007 after 17 years as a journalist for other news outlets, primarily covering Palestinian affairs for The Jerusalem Report, an independent magazine. I have been based in Jerusalem for more than 30 years. I was born, raised and educated in England. I speak fluent Hebrew and working Arabic. Over the years I have covered wars, Palestinian uprisings and rounds of peace talks, multiple elections and the 2019 Eurovision contest in Tel Aviv. I have also covered Israeli movies, television and exhibits that had an impact locally or were of wider interest. I have written two books, most recently “The Land of Hope and Fear: Israel’s Battle for Its Inner Soul.” Journalistic Ethics All Times journalists are committed to upholding the standards of integrity outlined in our Ethical Journalism Handbook. Covering the Israeli-Palestinian story comes with particular challenges, given the conflicting narratives going back many decades and the passionate, clashing agendas held by many of the people living this story and observing it. Aware that every word counts in such a charged environment, I always strive to be accurate, honest and fair. I try to take constructive criticism while blocking out superfluous noise. After so many years covering this story, I try to remain humble, to listen and to learn. There is always more to learn. Contact Me Email: isabelk@nytimes.com X: @IKershner Anonymous tips: nytimes.com/tips
86%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
90%
Examples:
- The author uses language that depicts Hamas as an extremist group with a goal to eliminate Israel
- The phrase 'last stronghold' implies that Rafah has more importance than other cities in Gaza
Conflicts of Interest
90%
Examples:
- The author has financial ties to The New York Times which may influence their reporting
Contradictions
88%
Examples:
- ]Israel had intercepted almost all of Iran’s hundreds of drones and missiles launched at Israel on Saturday night[
- Israel is considering its response to an Iranian aerial attack over the weekend
Deceptions
80%
Examples:
- The title implies an imminent invasion of Rafah when there are no indications to suggest this.
Recent Articles
Twelve Lives Lost: Tragic Soccer Field Attack in Golan Heights Blamed on Hezbollah
Broke On: Sunday, 28 July 2024Twelve children and teens lost their lives in the Golan Heights on July 28, 2024, when an Iranian-made rocket carrying over 50 kilograms of explosives struck a soccer field in the Druse Arab village of Majdal Shams. Israel blamed Hezbollah for the attack, which resulted in international concern and calls for restraint to prevent further escalation. Among the victims were Jwan Willy and Alma, whose lives were tragically cut short. 
Israelis and Palestinians Clash Over Cease-Fire Deal Amid Continued Fighting: Progress Towards a Truce but Fears of Government Collapse and Hostage Crises
Broke On: Sunday, 07 July 2024On July 7, 2024, Israelis protested for a cease-fire and new elections amid progress towards a truce with Hamas. Protests came as fighting continued and leaders threatened to derail negotiations. At least 16 Palestinians were killed in UN-run facilities attacked by Israeli forces, while Hamas fired rockets into Israel. The US, Egypt, and Qatar worked to broker a truce, but Hamas demanded permanent cease-fire guarantees. Netanyahu vowed to keep fighting until Hamas' military and governing capabilities were destroyed. Biden's Three-Phase Plan for Israeli-Palestinian Ceasefire: Reconstruction and Controversy
Broke On: Sunday, 02 June 2024President Biden proposes a three-phase plan for Israeli-Palestinian conflict resolution in Gaza, including ceasefire, force withdrawal, and reconstruction. Hamas expresses positivity but commitment is contingent on permanent ceasefire. Critics accuse Israeli PM Netanyahu of political tactics as he faces pressure from far-right ministers to continue fighting. 
Israeli Airstrike on Rafah Camp Results in 45 Deaths and Global Outrage
Broke On: Monday, 27 May 2024At least 45 people were killed and 200 injured in a devastating Israeli airstrike on Rafah camp for displaced persons in Gaza, igniting a fire that engulfed the area. The incident, condemned globally, has raised questions about Israel's accuracy in avoiding civilian harm during its investigations and invasion of Rafah. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk decried the 'horrific' strike as leading to civilian deaths with no safe place in Gaza. 
President Biden Rejects ICC's Arrest Warrants for Israeli Leaders Amidst Ongoing Israel-Hamas Conflict
Broke On: Tuesday, 21 May 2024President Biden rejected the International Criminal Court's application for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders over potential genocide allegations during an event in Jewish American Heritage Month, dealing a significant blow to the ICC's credibility. The conflict between Israel and Hamas resulted in over 35,000 deaths, mostly civilians, and displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza. 
Israel Weighs Disproportionate Response to Iran's Unprovoked Drone and Missile Attack: A Test of Israeli Leadership
Broke On: Monday, 15 April 2024On April 17, 2024, Israel faced a significant challenge as it weighed its response to an unprovoked attack by Iran involving over 300 drones and missiles. Israeli leaders were divided on how to respond, with some advocating for immediate military action against Iran's nuclear program and others urging restraint. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for a disproportionate response to deter future strikes and rock Tehran. The United States imposed new sanctions on Tehran in response, and the international community called for restraint from all parties involved. Israel's Invasion of Rafah: A Dangerous Move with Unpredictable Consequences
Broke On: Sunday, 11 February 2024Egypt suspends peace treaty with Israel over Gaza invasion plans. The prospect of an assault on Rafah creates tensions between Egypt and Israel, as well as raising concerns from international leaders. Israeli officials plan to continue planning for an operation in Rafah. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Apologizes for Criticizing Intelligence Chiefs Over Hamas Attack
Broke On: Sunday, 29 October 2023Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apologized for criticizing the country's intelligence chiefs over a recent Hamas attack. The apology came after Netanyahu publicly blamed the intelligence community for failing to prevent the attack, which resulted in the capture of two Israeli soldiers. The incident has put Netanyahu under significant political pressure, with critics arguing that his initial comments were an attempt to deflect blame for the incident.