Benny Ziffer Reflects on His 50-Year Career and Political Shift After Dismissal from Haaretz

Benny Ziffer, who worked for 50 years at the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, spoke publicly for the first time since his recent dismissal. Starting his career as a celebrated literary editor, Ziffer later became known as a close associate of Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife. In an interview from his home in Hefziba, he described how he transformed from a prominent figure on the Israeli left into a staunch supporter of Netanyahu within a leading left-wing media outlet. Ziffer explained that what began as a provocation evolved into a defining aspect of his life, stating, "My role was to shake the ship," and that after confronting what he saw as the truth, he could not return to his previous stance. His remarks highlight the complex political and personal journey that led to his controversial position and eventual firing from Haaretz.