Nitzan Horowitz, born on February 24, 1965, in Holon, Israel, is an Israeli politician, former journalist, and lawyer known for his progressive activism and leadership in left-wing politics. He began his professional career in journalism, serving as the chief U.S. correspondent and commentator for Israel's Channel 2 News (Israeli News Company), where he covered American politics and international relations extensively, establishing his reputation as a sharp analyst of global affairs, particularly U.S.-Israel dynamics. Horowitz transitioned into politics in 2013, joining the Meretz party, a social-democratic and left-wing faction advocating for peace, civil rights, and environmental issues. He was first elected to the Knesset that year and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Meretz's leader in 2019, a position he held until 2022. As a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights—being one of Israel's few openly gay politicians—Horowitz has championed social reforms, including marriage equality and anti-discrimination laws. He served as Israel's Minister of Health from June 2021 to December 2022 in the diverse Bennett-Lapid coalition government, where he oversaw responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination campaigns, and healthcare system improvements amid political turbulence. His tenure was marked by efforts to advance public health policies and address inequalities in medical access. Horowitz has been vocal in criticizing the influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups like AIPAC, challenging their impact on Israeli policy and U.S. relations, including legal efforts to scrutinize their activities. Throughout his career, Horowitz has faced controversies, including accusations of being too dovish on Palestinian issues, leading to tensions with right-wing factions, and internal Meretz disputes over strategy. He has been criticized for his stances on security and foreign policy but praised by progressives for his commitment to human rights and democracy. As of 2023, he remains an influential voice in Israeli opposition politics, focusing on climate action, social justice, and countering extremism.