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
85%
Examples:
- The author frequently refers to Al Jazeera as a 'mouthpiece' for Hamas.
- The authors call the shutdown order a 'criminal act' without providing any evidence to support this claim.
Conflicts of Interest
95%
Examples:
- Israel accused Al Jazeera, a major source of news in the Arab world that has often highlighted civilian suffering in Gaza, of harming Israel's security and inciting violence against its soldiers.
- The shutdown order is initially for 45 days, with the option of a 45-day extension.
Contradictions
75%
Examples:
- Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is preparing to discuss ‘Phase C’ in Gaza during meetings with Biden administration officials.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the intensive phase of Israel's war against Hamas is coming to an end.
Deceptions
80%
Examples:
- At least scores of Palestinians were killed during the rescue operation.
- Israel has been at war in Gaza for eight months and has not achieved its stated objectives of dismantling Hamas’s military and governing capabilities.
Recent Articles
Deadly Rocket Attack in Golan Heights: Israel Identifies Hezbollah as Suspect, International Community Urges De-escalation
Broke On: Monday, 29 July 2024Israeli PM Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant granted authority to respond after 12 people, including children, were killed by a Hezbollah rocket attack in the Golan Heights. The incident marked the deadliest cross-border attack since hostilities began this year. International powers urged restraint while condemning Hezbollah and flights were delayed due to Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Tensions have been high over border disputes, water rights, and military activity. 
Israel's Strike on Hamas Military Compound Kills Rafa Salameh, Dozens of Civilians, Uncertainty Surrounds Muhammad Deif's Fate
Broke On: Saturday, 13 July 2024On July 14, 2024, Israel targeted a Hamas military compound in Gaza City, killing Rafa Salameh, the leader of Hamas forces in Khan Younis. The attack resulted in at least 180 deaths and injuries to about 600 people. The fate of Hamas' top military commander Muhammad Deif remains uncertain as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, resulting in widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis. 
Israel's Strikes on Hamas Leadership: The Elimination of Muhammad Deif and Rafa Salameh and Its Impact on the War
Broke On: Sunday, 14 July 2024Israeli forces successfully strike and eliminate Hamas' most potent symbol and architect of its fighting force, Muhammad Deif, along with Rafa Salameh in a Hamas compound. This loss could lead to cracks within Hamas as Israel continues its military campaign against the terror group. However, civilian areas in Gaza have also been targeted, resulting in significant loss of life. 
Israeli PM Netanyahu Announces End to Gaza Conflict, Shifts Focus to Hezbollah on Northern Border
Broke On: Sunday, 23 June 2024Israeli PM Netanyahu announces end to Gaza conflict, shifts focus to Hezbollah on northern border. Thousands evacuated as Israel prepares for potential escalation with Iran-backed group. 
Israeli Military Announces Daily Tactical Pauses for Humanitarian Aid in Gaza, Sparking Controversy
Broke On: Sunday, 16 June 2024Israeli military announces daily tactical pauses for humanitarian aid in Gaza, sparking controversy among officials (June 16, 2024). Despite international pressure and warnings of hunger, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the decision. The pause allowed increased food distribution but fighting continued. Humanitarian situation deteriorated with shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Four Israeli Hostages Rescued in Gaza: Relief and Heavy Costs
Broke On: Sunday, 09 June 2024Israeli forces rescued Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv from Hamas captivity in a daring raid on June 9, 2024. The operation resulted in the release of the hostages but came at a high cost with over 270 Palestinian civilian casualties. International condemnation followed due to the large number of civilian deaths. 
Israeli Ministers Threaten Coalition Exit Over Gaza Cease-Fire Proposal, Leaving Netanyahu in a Bind
Broke On: Sunday, 02 June 2024Israeli ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich threaten to resign over Biden's proposed cease-fire in Gaza conflict, which has killed over 36,000 people since August 2021. Netanyahu seeks destruction of Hamas capabilities for peace, while far-right coalition members oppose. Critics question Netanyahu's decisiveness as government survival hangs in balance. 
Israel Shuts Down Al Jazeera Offices, Raising Concerns Over Press Freedom During Gaza Conflict
Broke On: Sunday, 05 May 2024Israel's government voted to shut down Al Jazeera's local operations, raising concerns over press freedom and democracy during ongoing conflict with Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the network of being a 'mouthpiece' for Hamas, but provided no specific examples. The closure limits international reporting from the region and has been condemned by various organizations. 
US Considering Historic Sanctions Against Israeli Military Unit Netzah Yehuda for Alleged Human Rights Violations
Broke On: Saturday, 20 April 2024The U.S. is investigating the Netzah Yehuda battalion of the Israeli military for alleged human rights violations against Palestinians in the West Bank, which could result in unprecedented sanctions. The battalion, known for attracting ultra-Orthodox Jewish men and hard-line nationalists, has been accused of violence resulting in death and criticism from Israeli leaders. One such incident involved the death of an 80-year-old Palestinian American man after his arrest by Netzah Yehuda soldiers.
