Veteran Journalist Benny Ziffer Fired After Decades Amid Political Shift

Benny Ziffer, a longtime journalist, author, and former literature and culture editor at the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, was dismissed from his position after decades of work. In a radio interview with media personality Sharon Gal on Galei Yisrael, Ziffer described his firing as part of an internal pattern of periodic layoffs and purges at the newspaper. He expressed appreciation for the supportive responses he received, which he said indicated he had done good work, though he felt the dismissal was unfair.

Ziffer also addressed changes in how he was treated by colleagues after publicly revealing his close and warm ties to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara. He admitted that after "switching sides," some hardcore detractors would make hateful remarks as he passed by. He recounted a particularly painful incident where derogatory comments about Sara Netanyahu were made in front of his wife, leaving her shocked. Despite this, Ziffer said he had grown accustomed to such hostility.

The interview sheds light on the internal tensions within Haaretz and the challenges faced by journalists whose political affiliations become publicly known. Ziffer's firing follows a broader trend of staff changes at the newspaper, reflecting ongoing shifts in its editorial environment.