Is Haaretz Israel's most influential newspaper or a detached, controversial liberal beacon?
In short: Founded in 1918, Haaretz serves as Israel's newspaper of record, known for its liberal stance and investigative reporting. Despite holding a relatively small share of the national readership, it remains a central, often polarizing, force in Israeli political and intellectual life, frequently clashing with the government over its editorial policies.
Established in 1918 under the British military government, Haaretz has evolved into a sophisticated daily that functions as Israel's newspaper of record. While its circulation is modest compared to mass-market rivals like Israel Hayom or Yedioth Ahronoth, it maintains significant influence among the country's political, economic, and intellectual elites. The paper, headquartered on Schocken Street in Tel Aviv, is renowned for its investigative journalism, though it has faced criticism for its editorial positions and occasional factual errors.
The newspaper's identity is deeply tied to the Schocken family, who acquired the publication in 1935. Under the long-standing editorship of Gershom Schocken, who led the paper from 1939 until 1990, Haaretz cultivated a liberal, often oppositional voice. Today, it remains a consistent critic of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and a supporter of peace initiatives. This editorial line has frequently placed the paper at odds with the government, leading to recent sanctions, including a 2024 boycott order by the Netanyahu administration.
Haaretz's role as a 'liberal beacon' is a subject of intense debate. Supporters praise its commitment to civil rights and its willingness to challenge the status quo, while detractors, including some government officials and critics like Andrea Levin of CAMERA, argue that its reporting can be biased or damaging. Despite facing physical intimidation, such as the 2026 vandalism of its offices, and financial pressures from subscription cancellations, the paper maintains its mission of independent journalism, continuing to operate both Hebrew and English editions for a global and domestic audience.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Haaretz
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