Deputy Minister Attacks Haaretz Reporter Over Netanyahu's Pre-Oct 7 Conduct

Deputy Minister Almog Cohen has launched a sharp attack against Haaretz reporter Shlomi Eldar, following Eldar's publication of an article detailing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conduct prior to the October 7th Hamas attack. Cohen accused Eldar of being a "radical left-wing reporter" who previously eulogized Ismail Haniyeh, the former leader of Hamas.

Cohen further alleged that Eldar is attempting to confuse the public, but asserted that right-wing Israelis are intelligent enough to see through his efforts. The deputy minister suggested Eldar timed the article's release to coincide with the launch of his new book, characterizing the report as a mere "sales promotion."

Eldar's article reportedly focused on Netanyahu's actions and decisions in the period leading up to the Hamas massacre. Cohen's response indicates a strong disagreement with Eldar's reporting and a dismissal of its credibility, framing it as politically motivated and self-serving.