Netanyahu denies calling Haaretz and New York Times Israel's 'main enemies'
According to statement released by PMO, Jerusalem Post editor Steve Linde's remarks to a conference in Tel Aviv were a misrepresentation of the meeting with Netanyahu.
By Barak Ravid and Haaretz Tags: Benjamin Netanyahu Iran Iran threat Iran nuclearPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied telling the editor of the Jerusalem Post that the two greatest enemies facing Israel are The New York Times and Haaretz.
In an address to the Women's international Zionist Organization in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, Jerusalem Post editor Steve Linde said that the prime minister had made the comments during a private meeting "a couple of weeks ago", according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
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Benjamin Netanyahu speaking at a Birthright event in Jerusalem, January 4, 2012. |
| Photo by: Mark Israel |
The JTA was basing its report on a recording of the meeting. According to the report, Linde told the conference:
“Netanyahu said, ‘You know, Steve, we have two main enemies'. And I thought he was going to talk about, you know, Iran, maybe Hamas. He said, ‘It’s The New York Times and Haaretz.’ He said, ‘They set the agenda for an anti-Israel campaign all over the world. Journalists read them every morning and base their news stories … on what they read in The New York Times and Haaretz.’ ”
According to the recording obtained by the JTA, Netanyahu told the participants of the media that he "absolutely" believed that media could have such strong effect on world opinion regarding Israel.
The Prime Minister's Office released a statement Thursday rejecting the claims. According to the statement, Netanyahu told the foreign affairs committee of the Dutch parliament during a visit to the Netherlands that he never called the two newspapers enemies of Israel, and that it was in fact Iran and its extensions that were the country's greatest adversaries.
The PMO asked Linde to publish a clarification, which he did, stating that his remarks at the Tel Aviv conference were his own analysis of the conversation with the prime minister.
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...the true enemies of a dictator are his critics and free speech... in contrary, iran and war - your spilled blood - does actually cement his position... you dont count, get it... he finally spelled it out... about time to believe it...
Netanyahu is Israel's main enemy. His words and actions generate the negative publicity all over the world.
Nethanyahu is right. The media in Brazil is an example of this situation. They say what they read in NYT and Haaretz. Gideon Levy inspire them.
this is true... teran times al-jazeera, jakarta daily, all site Haaretz as sources for thier opinion articles...
The PA and Israel has to negotiate a peace. Now I am all for a negotiated settlement because these wars never end and people die dragging the name of both parties into the mud. But Israel has more to lose because it is the party with the most influence, economic and military achievements, so unfortunately it has to bear most of the responsibility, but Haaretz wants Israel to roll over and die; that is the idea I get, while the folks at Jerusalem Post, wants to put up a fight, at least.
Thereby proving to their readers that Israel - unlike their countries and organisations - has a free press. Being quoted by the enemy doesn't prove anything except that debate thrives. Surely you wouldn't want it to be any different...
Its better than any soap opera and is the most power packed israeli paper period. If more Americans read the talkback sections they would be horrified to know what most Israelis truly think about the United States and her people.
of course why is this not a surprise?
at the cabinet meetings
I am just starting to believe Mr.Sarkuzi is right.
They are the enemy, I certainly believe it!!!
i agree with him and if he did not say it we are the pepole who say that and that is they are not salling many papers . they are bad for freedom and free speach if you are not thinking 100% like them .
if these news outlets publish the truth. Only that the truth might hurt Israel's PR efforts.
Although I would not characterize Haaretz and the New York Times as Israel’s main enemies, they do, in fact, consistently set the pace for the anti-Israel campaign in Europe and the United States, actually, “throughout the world.” This comes as no surprise, since from time immemorial Jews have been the worst enemies of the Jewish people.
But the newspaper is very liberal. Borderline socialist. And I think the owners want that because they want to make money from the left, very liberal groups. I wonder if it feels as strongly about freedom of speech as the Jerusalem Post. I doubt it.
Surprise, surprise. The sycophantic, enabling, similarly xenophobic, racist, and anti-democratic Jerusalem Post- that bastion of journalistic ethics- changing its story. Who would have ever thought it possible?
We have a saying: The pot calling the kettle black. Like all Leftists, you say you want the truth - The Leftist Truth. When the Left lies - well, that's understandable. When the Right lies - well that's wrong. Typical self-justification whenever you speak to a Liberal - which is always slow and painful just so they can keep up.
For many years both media are a MUST to come to an balanced opnion. JP is more and more a right wing collection with Caroline Glick as spearhead. My Ex-Countryman Ari Rath and others are not on the spot. So it is so important that Haaretz represent the "other" Israel. It holds the door open for international observer and spectator. BTW tzhe same is with NYT.
Get real. Netanyahu wants every media outlet in the world to be YNet, the Jerusalem and New York Posts, Israel HaYom, and Fox.
Huh? "Your enemies will come from your very midst" - Isaiah
With their indefensible discriminatory policies it's no wonder the Israeli government get nervous about these respected newspapers reporting the real stories. Once again Bibi; people can be anti-government policy without being anti-Israel. It's a shame you can't see how much damage you're doing to Israel yourself. Caution: Haaretz and NYT editors, watch out for motorcycles with pillion riders!
IT IS THE TRUTH. And I am sure it will not be published, but at least they will see that some people agree with this statement. Just see how pieces against Israel get to be published above the fold and pieces that support Israeli positions will be seen if at all below the fold. SIMPLE FACTS
Wether Haaretz like or Not, every good thing about Israel, haaretz post it below everything... smh..
GWB managed to conflate the financial scandals of Harding with a stupid war that broke the US dollar; so Harding + Nixon. Oh yes, Nixon had a heart and looked after the vets.
The statements of respected news publications. Or denials of a known and proven LIER? But after thinking about it. I beleive the greatest threat to Israel are the settlers. Nutt-yahu and Lieberman.
Don't mistake Bibi's intention via the statement "off the record" . The fearless leader has every intention of encouraging only agreeable " free speech" while attempting to curtail and harass critical media outlets and journalists. We're proud and avid readers of both Haaretz and NYTimes............Trying to keep our minds and hearts open..........C&T , Ein Hod.
And telling the truth. Wich they don't want us to know
He`s embarrassed ;), because it`s very stupid to say such things as PM publicly.gg.
So Bibi denies ever saying this. Well, then the question becomes: is Bibi reliable or is he a liar? Shall we ask someone who knows him, like .. say... Obama and Sarkozy?
The mere fact that you would quote the biggest of all the liars on the politcal stage, OBAMA, says all anyone needs to know about you, your positions and your intellect.
Noone can run this campaign as good Netanyahu and his cabinet.