Israel National News – Haaretz Criticizes Israel Government Amid Ongoing War
Escalating Tensions in Gaza Prompt Editorial Outcry
As Israel's military operations intensify in Gaza and regional conflicts persist, Haaretz, a leading Israeli newspaper known for its left-leaning stance, has sharpened its criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
On March 24, 2025, with the war against Hamas entering its 17th month, Haaretz published a series of articles and editorials accusing the government of prioritizing political survival over national interest and humanitarian concerns. The renewed offensive in Gaza, coupled with domestic political turmoil, has fueled the paper’s outspoken dissent.
Key Points of Haaretz’s Critique
Haaretz’s coverage has highlighted several contentious issues, framing the government’s actions as reckless and detrimental to Israel’s future. Below are the main criticisms outlined in recent publications:
- Endless War for Political Gain: An analysis by Amos Harel on March 18 accused Netanyahu of using the resumed Gaza offensive as a tool for “political survival through endless war,” suggesting military escalation masks failures in hostage negotiations and governance.
- Hostage Crisis Neglect: Ravit Hecht’s March 19 editorial called the government’s handling of hostages still held in Gaza “one of the cruelest gambles in Israel’s history,” arguing that political motives overshadow efforts to secure their release.
- Ethical Violations by the IDF: Following a Haaretz exposé on March 10, the Israeli military police launched an investigation into the IDF’s alleged use of Gaza civilians as human shields, a practice the paper condemned as a moral and legal breach.
- Democratic Erosion: The paper has linked the war to broader authoritarian trends, with articles decrying Netanyahu’s moves to oust security officials like Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and silence dissent, including sanctions against Haaretz itself.
Government’s Retaliation Intensifies
The Netanyahu administration has not taken Haaretz’s criticism lightly. In November 2024, the government unanimously approved a resolution to boycott the newspaper, halting state advertising and subscriptions.
This decision, spearheaded by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, was justified as a response to “articles that harmed Israel’s legitimacy” and remarks by Haaretz publisher Amos Schocken, who called Palestinian militants “freedom fighters” and accused Israel of imposing an “apartheid regime.”
On March 24, 2025, the paper continues to face pressure, with critics accusing it of undermining national unity during wartime.
- Sanctions Timeline: Initiated in November 2023 and formalized in 2024, the boycott reflects a pattern of targeting critical media, including the closure of Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel.
- Public Backlash: While some Israelis support the government’s stance, viewing Haaretz as disloyal, others see the sanctions as an attack on free press, echoing tactics of authoritarian regimes.
A Voice Amid the Chaos
Despite the backlash, Haaretz remains steadfast, positioning itself as a lone voice reporting on the war’s toll—particularly in Gaza and Lebanon—while most Israeli media focus on military strategy and domestic security.
The paper’s March coverage underscores the humanitarian crisis, with Gaza’s death toll surpassing 50,000, as reported by the local Health Ministry. Editorials argue that exposing these realities is a journalistic duty, not a betrayal.
- Unique Perspective: Unlike mainstream outlets, Haaretz embeds reporters with the IDF while also documenting Palestinian suffering, a dual approach that has drawn both praise and ire.
- Global Echoes: International press organizations, like WAN-IFRA, have condemned Israel’s sanctions on Haaretz, warning of a chilling effect on press freedom amid the ongoing conflict.
What Lies Ahead?
As Israel navigates a multi-front war—Gaza, Lebanon, and tensions with Iran-backed groups—Haaretz’s criticism highlights a deepening divide. The government’s hardline policies, including settlement expansion and military operations, clash with the paper’s calls for accountability and a reevaluation of Israel’s path.
With no end to the conflict in sight and domestic protests mounting over issues like the hostage crisis and Shin Bet leadership, Haaretz’s role as a gadfly may shape public discourse—or further entrench its isolation.
The war rages on, and so does the battle over Israel’s narrative, with Haaretz firmly at its center.
