Israel Suspends Ties With Haaretz Newspaper

Multiple Israeli ministries, including the Interior and Diaspora Affairs Ministries, announced the suspension of ties with the daily newspaper Haaretz following controversial comments made by its publisher, Amos Schocken, at a London conference. Schocken described Palestinians as 'freedom fighters,' criticized the Israeli government for imposing an 'apartheid regime,' and likened the situation in Gaza to a 'second Nakba.' His remarks sparked significant backlash, prompting government officials to demand an apology and halt all collaborations with the newspaper. The Interior Ministry's Director-General stated that this decision reflects a necessity to protect the image of the IDF and the state, especially in the context of ongoing conflicts. The mayor of Nesher also declared the termination of local ties with Haaretz, highlighting a broader governmental discontent with the newspaper's editorial stance. This situation underscores the deep divisions within Israeli society regarding the portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.