Haaretz

Haaretz is an Israeli daily newspaper and news-media brand whose name means “The Land” in Hebrew. It is among the longest-running newspapers still published in Israel and is widely regarded as an influential newspaper of record, particularly among political, cultural, academic, and business elites. The publication began in 1918 under the British military administration in Palestine and was reorganized in 1919 under the name Hadashot Ha'aretz, or “News of the Land.” Its early development was associated with socialist-oriented Zionists and leading Hebrew writers, although the paper developed a nonpartisan editorial identity rather than formally representing a political party. The newspaper initially appeared in Jerusalem. Financial difficulties briefly interrupted publication, and in 1923 it resumed from Tel Aviv under editor Moshe Glickson. During the 1920s and 1930s, Haaretz became associated with the liberal General Zionist milieu and acquired a reputation for sophisticated political and literary journalism. Its editorial pages emphasized analysis and argument, while its literary section helped establish the paper as an important institution in Hebrew cultural life. Salman Schocken acquired Haaretz in 1935, beginning the Schocken family's long association with the publication. His son, Gershom Schocken, became editor-in-chief in 1939 and remained in that role until his death in 1990. Under Gershom Schocken, the newspaper consolidated a liberal, independent, and often oppositional voice. Later editors included Hanoch Marmari, David Landau, Dov Alfon, and Aluf Benn. Aluf Benn became editor-in-chief in 2011 and is associated with the paper's current editorial leadership. Haaretz publishes a Hebrew daily edition and an English edition, Haaretz.com. The English product has made the brand especially visible to international readers, diplomats, researchers, journalists, and foreign observers of Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In North America, the publication has also appeared in a weekly format combining material from the Friday edition with selected coverage from the rest of the week. Its digital operations provide breaking news, analysis, opinion, live discussions, blogs, and coverage of Israeli, Palestinian, regional, and international affairs. The brand is commonly described as liberal, centre-left, or left-wing, though descriptions vary by commentator and by subject. Its editorial line is broadly liberal on civil rights, economic and social policy, and judicial institutions, and it has been strongly critical of the Israeli occupation and settlement policy. Haaretz has frequently supported peace initiatives and a two-state framework. Its reporting and commentary have also addressed the treatment of Arab citizens of Israel, migrants, sex workers, Ethiopian and Russian immigrants, Palestinians, and other groups with comparatively limited political power. Supporters view this orientation as a defining commitment to independent journalism; critics accuse the paper of excessive ideological bias or factual imbalance. The publication has historically had lower mass-market circulation than Israel's largest popular newspapers, but its influence has exceeded its reach. A 2022 readership survey placed it third among Israeli newspapers by exposure, while research and media commentary have characterized its readership as unusually educated and affluent. Haaretz's print design uses relatively restrained photography and smaller headlines than many mass-market competitors, leaving more space for political analysis, investigative work, criticism, books, environmental reporting, and cultural journalism. Ownership has changed while remaining closely connected to the Schocken family. In 2006, German publisher M. DuMont Schauberg acquired a minority stake. Russian-Israeli businessman Leonid Nevzlin acquired a further stake in 2011. In 2019, members of the Schocken family bought DuMont Schauberg's shares, leaving the family with a reported 75 percent holding and Nevzlin with the remaining 25 percent. Haaretz remains an active newspaper and digital media group, although its business faces the structural pressures affecting newspapers generally, including declining print advertising, digital competition, subscription dependence, and political pressure.

Haaretz traces its origins to 1918, when a newspaper was established under the British military administration in Palestine. In 1919, the publication was taken over and reorganized by a group of socialist-oriented Zionists, including the philanthropist Isaac Leib Goldberg. It was initially called Hadashot Ha'aretz, meaning “News of the Land,” before adopting the shorter name Haaretz. The paper began in Jerusalem and attracted prominent Hebrew writers through its literary pages. The publication experienced a short interruption caused by financial difficulties. It returned in Tel Aviv in early 1923 under editor Moshe Glickson, who led the paper for approximately fifteen years. During the Yishuv period, Haaretz became associated with the liberal General Zionist current, particularly the General Zionist “A” faction and its later political successors. Although it was politically engaged, it did not operate as an official party newspaper. Its restrained design, literary content, and emphasis on analysis gave it a reputation as one of the most sophisticated Hebrew dailies. Businessman Salman Schocken purchased the newspaper in December 1935. Schocken had left Germany after the Nazi rise to power and was involved in Brit Shalom, a movement that supported Jewish-Arab coexistence and a homeland arrangement for both communities. His son, Gershom Schocken, became editor-in-chief in 1939. Gershom Schocken's tenure lasted until 1990 and shaped much of the paper's modern identity. Under his leadership, Haaretz developed a durable reputation for liberalism, editorial independence, critical scrutiny of government, and serious cultural journalism. After 1990, the editor-in-chief succession included Hanoch Marmari, David Landau, Dov Alfon, and Aluf Benn. The paper expanded its English-language presence and later developed separate Hebrew and English digital services. The English edition became particularly important for international audiences seeking Israeli reporting and commentary, while the Hebrew edition remained the core domestic product. The group also operated or published business journalism through TheMarker. The Schocken family remained the principal owner for decades. In 2006, German publisher M. DuMont Schauberg bought a 25 percent stake, a transaction that generated controversy because of historical concerns surrounding the publisher's family and Nazi-era affiliations. In 2011, Leonid Nevzlin acquired a 20 percent stake, purchasing shares from both the Schocken family and DuMont Schauberg. In 2019, the Schocken family repurchased DuMont's remaining shares, leaving the family with 75 percent ownership and Nevzlin with 25 percent. Haaretz's influence has generally been greater than its mass circulation. Its readers have included senior public officials, academics, journalists, legal professionals, business leaders, and members of Israel's cultural establishment. The paper is frequently described as liberal, centre-left, or left-wing and has been consistently critical of settlement expansion, the occupation of Palestinian territories, and policies it considers harmful to civil rights or minority groups. It has supported peace initiatives and the two-state solution, while its critics have argued that its editorial and reporting choices reflect a strong ideological bias. The publication has also faced internal and external pressures. A 2012 labor dispute over planned layoffs resulted in a one-day strike that halted publication. In 2024, relations with the Israeli government deteriorated sharply after publisher Amos Schocken criticized government policy and used controversial language regarding Palestinian militants. Several ministries ended ties with Haaretz, and a government boycott and advertising ban followed. The episode highlighted the tension between the paper's role as a critical news organization and the political and commercial pressures confronting independent media in Israel. Today, Haaretz remains an active Hebrew and English newspaper and digital news group. Its business model combines print circulation, digital subscriptions, advertising, special editions, and related media activities. Its continuing significance rests less on market scale than on its influence over public debate in Israel and its role as an internationally read source of Israeli political, legal, social, and cultural reporting.

• 2024

  Government boycott and advertising ban

  [1]Haaretzen.wikipedia.org

  The Israeli government orders a boycott of Haaretz by government bodies and ends government advertising after a controversy involving publisher Amos Schocken.

• 2019

  Schocken family repurchases DuMont shares

  [1]Haaretzen.wikipedia.org

  Members of the Schocken family acquire all remaining Haaretz shares held by M. DuMont Schauberg.

• 2012

  Publication interrupted by labor strike

  [1]Haaretzen.wikipedia.org

  A strike opposing planned layoffs prevents the newspaper from being printed for one day.

• 2011

  Aluf Benn becomes editor-in-chief

  [1]Haaretzen.wikipedia.org

  Aluf Benn succeeds Dov Alfon as editor-in-chief.

• 2011

  Leonid Nevzlin purchases a stake

  [1]Haaretzen.wikipedia.org

  Leonid Nevzlin acquires a 20 percent interest in Haaretz Group.

• 2006

  DuMont Schauberg acquires a minority stake

  [1]Haaretzen.wikipedia.org

  German publisher M. DuMont Schauberg purchases a 25 percent interest in Haaretz Group.

• 1939

  Gershom Schocken becomes editor-in-chief

  [1]Haaretzen.wikipedia.org

  Gershom Schocken begins an editorship that lasts until 1990 and decisively shapes the publication's liberal editorial identity.

• 1935

  Salman Schocken acquires the newspaper

  [1]Haaretzen.wikipedia.org

  Salman Schocken purchases Haaretz, beginning the Schocken family's long-term ownership.

• 1923

  Move to Tel Aviv

  [1]Haaretzen.wikipedia.org

  After a short financial closure, publication resumes in Tel Aviv under editor Moshe Glickson.

• 1919

  Reorganization as Hadashot Ha'aretz

  [1]Haaretzen.wikipedia.org

  The paper is taken over by socialist-oriented Zionists and formally established under the name Hadashot Ha'aretz.

• 1918

  Publication begins

  [1]Haaretzen.wikipedia.org

  A predecessor of Haaretz begins publication under the British military administration in Palestine.

Independent, liberal, critical, analytical, and internationally oriented newspaper journalism

• Daily newspaper · 1918

  Haaretz Hebrew edition

  The core domestic edition is a Hebrew-language daily covering Israeli politics, security, law, society, economics, culture, and international affairs. It is distinguished by compact print presentation, substantial political analysis, investigative reporting, opinion journalism, and literary and cultural criticism.

• International newspaper edition

  Haaretz English edition

  The English-language edition adapts and publishes Haaretz reporting and commentary for readers outside Israel, including diplomats, researchers, journalists, academics, and international policy audiences. It is distributed digitally and has also been produced in print formats for North American readers.

• Digital news platform

  Haaretz.com

  Haaretz.com provides breaking news, analysis, opinion, features, live discussions, blogs, and coverage of Israel, the Palestinian territories, and international developments. Its subscription model forms part of the group's transition from a primarily print newspaper to a digital news business.

• Business journalism

  TheMarker

  TheMarker is the group's business-news brand and supplement, covering Israeli companies, markets, technology, regulation, public policy, and economic affairs.

• 2024

  Government sanctions following publisher's remarks

  Publisher Amos Schocken criticized the Netanyahu government's treatment of Palestinians and referred to Palestinian militants using language that prompted a political backlash. Several ministries severed ties with Haaretz, while the government approved a boycott and advertising restrictions. Schocken later clarified that terrorism was not legitimate.

  Source

• 2017

  Controversial comparison in an opinion article

  An opinion article comparing Israel's religious right with Hezbollah drew condemnation from senior Israeli political figures and renewed debate about the limits and tone of Haaretz commentary.

  Source

Read more

• 2024

  Government advertising and access restrictionsOther

  Background

  A public dispute followed publisher Amos Schocken's criticism of government policy and controversial comments about Palestinian militants.

  Action taken

  The government ordered a boycott involving government bodies and government-funded organizations and prohibited government advertising in Haaretz.

  Aftermath

  The measures triggered condemnation from press-freedom advocates and contributed to subscription cancellations and reported advertising losses.

  Source

• 2019

  Repurchase of DuMont's sharesM&A

  Background

  The Schocken family moved to restore a larger direct ownership position in Haaretz Group.

  Action taken

  Members of the family purchased all Haaretz shares held by M. DuMont Schauberg.

  Aftermath

  The Schocken family reached a reported 75 percent ownership, with Nevzlin retaining 25 percent.

  Source

• 2012

  Workforce restructuring and labor disputeStrategy

  Background

  Management planned layoffs amid financial and structural pressures affecting the newspaper business.

  Action taken

  Employees organized a strike that halted publication for one day.

  Aftermath

  The dispute became one of the most visible labor conflicts in the publication's modern history.

  Source

• 2011

  Nevzlin investmentM&A

  Background

  Haaretz Group brought in a new minority investor while the Schocken family continued to hold a controlling interest.

  Action taken

  Leonid Nevzlin purchased a 20 percent stake, acquiring shares from the Schocken family and DuMont Schauberg.

  Aftermath

  Nevzlin became a significant minority shareholder in the privately held group.

  Source

• 2006

  Sale of a minority stake to DuMont SchaubergM&A

  Background

  The Schocken family sought outside investment while retaining control of Haaretz Group.

  Action taken

  M. DuMont Schauberg acquired a 25 percent stake in the group.

  Aftermath

  The transaction attracted controversy because of historical concerns about the German publisher's family and Nazi-era associations.

  Source

1. 1Haaretzen.wikipedia.org
2. 2Haaretz official websitehaaretz.com