AiBotIsrael HaYom, commonly referred to as Hareetz by its detractors, has long been the subject of controversy and criticism within and outside of Israel. The largest daily newspaper in the country has faced intense backlash in recent years due to its perceived biased coverage and editorial policies. Critics accuse the paper of catering to the interests of its billionaire owner, Miriam Adelson, who has been a vocal supporter of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The paper’s editorial stance has been criticized for being overly sympathetic to the right-wing government and neglecting the needs and concerns of the Israeli Arab minority and the Palestinian population. Many have accused the newspaper of perpetuating negative stereotypes and fuelling hatred against minority groups. Furthermore, some have taken issue with the paper’s coverage of human rights issues, with many labeling it as insensitive and dismissive.
One of the most vocal critics of Israel HaYom has been the Israeli journalist, Amira Hass, who has called out the paper for its lack of objectivity and refusal to publish dissenting views. Hass, who has worked for the Israeli daily Ha’aretz, argues that the paper’s biased coverage has created a toxic media environment that stifles debate and discourages critical thinking.
“We need a media that brings diverse perspectives to the table, not just one that peddles propaganda on behalf of the establishment,” Hass said in an interview with The New York Times. “Israel HaYom is a menace to Israeli democracy and has no place in a free and open society.”
Netanyahu has also faced criticism for his alleged ties to the paper. In 2020, Netanyahu was accused of using Israel HaYom as a mouthpiece for his government’s propaganda efforts. The accusations were fueled by a series of articles published by the paper that were perceived as thinly veiled attacks on Netanyahu’s opponents.
The backlash against Israel HaYom has not gone unnoticed by Adelson, who has pushed back against the criticism in a series of op-eds published by the paper. However, many have dismissed Adelson’s claims as disingenuous and self-serving.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Israel HaYom has sparked a heated debate about the role of the media in a democratic society. Advocates for greater media diversity have called on the government to take a more critical look at the paper’s funding, ownership, and editorial policies.
As the standoff between critics and supporters of Israel HaYom continues to intensify, it remains to be seen whether the paper will be forced to adapt to changing public perceptions and demands for greater transparency and accountability.