Israeli Journalist and Political Advisor Orit Galili Zucker Dies After Cancer Battle

Orit Galili Zucker, a prominent Israeli journalist and political advisor, passed away at the age of 70 on August 23, 2026, after a more than two-year battle with cancer. Her death was announced by her son, Eran Zucker Galili, who shared on her Facebook page that she chose not to have a funeral or mourning period. He described her as a special, brave, and loving woman who lived a relatively short but intense life. Plans are underway to commemorate her life and work through future projects.

Born on March 29, 1956, Galili Zucker had a distinguished career spanning journalism, academia, and political consulting. She worked for about 15 years as a reporter and editor at the Israeli newspaper Haaretz and briefly served as a correspondent for Channel One's "Yoman" news program. She later earned a PhD from Bar-Ilan University in 2002, focusing on comparative political leadership between Western and Israeli politicians, including Netanyahu, Barak, and Ramon.

In academia, she taught political science and governance at Bar-Ilan University and Tel Aviv University, chaired the professional committee for political science at the Ministry of Education, and led a master's program in political leadership at Tel Aviv University. Politically, she advised leaders on both sides of the spectrum, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Prime Minister Ehud Barak. From 2011 to 2013, she headed Netanyahu's political communications team and later conducted public opinion research through an independent strategic communications consultancy.

In June 2026, Galili Zucker publicly shared her terminal cancer diagnosis and the difficult decisions ahead, expressing her intent to document her experience and prepare for death. She sought compassionate use medications abroad to extend her life. She is survived by her two sons, Itamar Galili and Eran Zucker Galili.