ILOwnership & classification
Founded: 1919
Ownership
Haaretz is controlled by the Schocken family, descendants of German-Jewish businessman Salman Schocken who bought the paper in 1935; his son Gershom edited it for over 50 years and Amos Schocken is the current publisher. After buying out German publisher M. DuMont Schauberg's stake in December 2019, the Schocken family holds about 75% of the Haaretz Group. The remaining roughly 25% is owned by Russian-Israeli businessman Leonid Nevzlin.
Funding
Financed commercially through a digital subscription paywall (Hebrew and English editions), print sales and advertising, supplemented by the private capital of its family and minority owners. It receives no state or party funding.
Affiliation & stance
Haaretz is privately and family-owned with no party or government control, and is known for its liberal, left-leaning editorial line that is frequently critical of Israeli government policy. Its independent commercial ownership and editorial autonomy make it INDEPENDENT; the site's INDEPENDENT/LEFT labels are accurate.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 474
70/100
Factual
63/100
Objective
495
Articles
484
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
UK's proposed ban on Israeli settlement trade would breach int'l legal obligations, lawyers warn
The UK-based organization UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) has warned the UK government that a proposed ban on trade with Israeli businesses in East Jerusalem and the West Bank would violate international legal obligations. Former trade minister Chris Bryant suggested the UK has a legal duty to avoid 'aiding or assisting' Israeli settlements, prompting consideration of import and export bans. UKLFI submitted a briefing paper to Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and Legal Adviser Sally Langrish, arguing that there is no international law requirement for the UK to impose a general ban on private businesses trading with Israeli entities in the West Bank. They emphasized that such a ban would conflict with the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement (TPA), which prohibits quantitative restrictions on trade, as well as GATT, GATS, and the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. UKLFI also cautioned that such measures could harm Palestinian workers who rely on employment at Israeli businesses in the West Bank, potentially undermining economic stability and peace efforts. Additionally, they highlighted potential conflicts between UK and US laws affecting British companies.
IDF pursues terrorist after Jericho stabbing as Gaza kite launches raise border concerns
The article reports on an IDF operation targeting a terrorist who carried out a stabbing attack near a Palestinian town in the Jordan Valley on August 23, 2026. It mentions the incident as part of the IDF's response to terrorism. The headline also references rising concerns over Gaza-related activities, specifically 'kite launches' that have raised border security issues. The content appears to be a podcast episode summary rather than a standalone news article, focusing on recent developments in Israeli military actions and regional tensions.
Economic warfare: Bankrupting Iran will be more effective than bombing - opinion
The article argues that economic warfare could be more effective than military bombing in undermining Iran's ability to sustain its military and terrorist activities. It highlights that while military strikes can destroy physical assets, they do not prevent Iran from rebuilding if it maintains access to foreign currency and international markets. The author notes that the war has caused approximately $270 billion in damage, equivalent to 57% of Iran's GDP, with ongoing economic decline threatening to set the country back by several years. The piece emphasizes that Iran's economy was already weakened by sanctions, corruption, and international isolation, making it vulnerable to further economic deterioration. The author distinguishes between the Iranian people and the ruling mullahs, criticizing the regime for prioritizing militarization over domestic welfare. The article references President Trump's 'Operation Economic Fury' as an intensified effort to apply economic pressure through secondary sanctions.
IDF strikes Hamas terror cell, resuming preemptive strikes despite Trump's Gaza deal
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a preemptive airstrike against a Hamas terror cell in Khan Yunis, marking the second such attack in two days following a temporary pause imposed by a U.S.-Hamas deal in late July. Military sources stated that the targeted cell was not among Hamas' most senior leadership but was actively planning an attack against Israeli forces. The IDF has restricted attacks on high-ranking Hamas figures and strategic assets since the deal, but continues to target operatives preparing to carry out attacks. This approach allows the IDF to act preemptively to prevent potential incidents, especially in areas where Hamas controls access. While the IDF maintains that its soldiers are not being restricted from self-defense, the U.S. appears to support this strategy until Hamas begins disarming. The strike followed the IDF’s earlier decision to halt attacks on certain Hamas targets under the terms of the agreement.
Roman 'cold plunge' pool, floor mosaic discovered in ancient Turkish gymnasium complex
Archaeologists in Turkey's ancient city of Tralleis uncovered two significant historical finds during excavations as part of the 'Legacy for the Future' project. First, a 2,000-year-old cold plunge pool, known as a frigidarium, was discovered within the Hamam Gymnasium complex. This pool, measuring 37 meters long and 12 meters wide, could accommodate up to 300 people and was likely used by young trainees. Second, a nearly 2,000-year-old Roman-era floor mosaic depicting a hippocampus, a mythical sea creature associated with Poseidon, was found in a previously thought Byzantine-era workshop. The discoveries highlight the cultural and educational significance of the gymnasium, which was believed to have trained future doctors and engineers in antiquity. Both findings were reported by Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Ministry and state-run news agency Andalou Agency.
Eisenkot Vows No Palestinian State After Arab Party Leader Urges Recognition
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Eisenkot has stated that Israel will not recognize a Palestinian state, responding to calls by an Arab party leader who urged the recognition of Palestine. The statement comes amid ongoing discussions and tensions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and potential peace negotiations. Eisenkot's position reflects a hardline stance within Israeli politics, emphasizing security concerns and territorial integrity. This development highlights the continued challenges in achieving a two-state solution and the internal divisions within Israeli leadership on the issue.
Israeli Arab party moves closer to adding Jewish lawmaker to election slate
An Israeli Arab political party is considering including a Jewish member of Knesset on its electoral list for the upcoming elections. This move could signal a shift in the party's strategy, potentially aiming to broaden its appeal across Israel's diverse population. The inclusion of a Jewish representative might reflect efforts to bridge ethnic divides and enhance the party's chances in a fragmented political landscape. Such a decision would mark a significant development in Israeli politics, where Arab parties often face challenges in gaining broader support.
Israel Police admits it lied about reason it canceled its Haaretz subscription
The Israeli police force has admitted that it provided false information regarding the reason it canceled its subscription to the Haaretz newspaper. This admission comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the relationship between law enforcement and the media in Israel. The cancellation had previously been attributed to financial constraints, but the police now acknowledge this was misleading. The incident raises questions about transparency and accountability within the Israeli police department.
Israel Land Authority Head Blocks Show for Employees Citing Religious Concerns
The head of Israel's Land Authority has reportedly blocked an employee event, citing religious concerns. The decision has sparked discussions about the intersection of religion and workplace policies within Israeli government institutions. The Land Authority manages state-owned land and plays a significant role in Israel's housing and development policies. This incident highlights ongoing debates over religious influence in public administration and the balance between personal beliefs and professional responsibilities.
U.S. Envoy: Israel Risked Confrontation With Turkey by 'Baiting' Ankara
The U.S. envoy has expressed concerns that Israel's actions risked escalating tensions with Turkey, suggesting that Israel may have deliberately provoked Ankara through certain diplomatic maneuvers. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions between the two countries regarding regional stability and cooperation. The U.S. is likely emphasizing the importance of maintaining good relations between Israel and Turkey to prevent further conflict in the region. Such comments highlight the delicate balance of international diplomacy involving Middle Eastern nations.
Israeli Arab families are moving to Jewish cities. Eilat is a case in point
The article reports that Israeli Arab families are relocating to Jewish cities, using Eilat as an example. It highlights demographic shifts and potential implications for social integration and urban development. The piece focuses on the movement of Arab families into predominantly Jewish communities, suggesting changes in local demographics and possible challenges or opportunities arising from this trend.
A Palestinian Lies Paralyzed, While the Settler Who Shot Him Remains on the Hill
The article reports on a Palestinian man who was paralyzed after being shot by a settler during an incident in Israel. The victim remains paralyzed while the perpetrator has not been held accountable. The piece highlights the ongoing issue of violence against Palestinians by Israeli settlers and the lack of justice for victims.
An Israeli Startup Is Reinventing Salmon Farming. It May Upend a Global Industry
An Israeli startup is developing innovative salmon farming technology that could significantly change global aquaculture practices. The company's approach focuses on sustainable methods, potentially reducing environmental impact and improving efficiency compared to traditional salmon farming. This development highlights Israel's growing role in agricultural innovation and its potential influence on international food production systems. While the article does not provide specific details on the technology or its current status, it suggests that this startup could disrupt existing industry norms.