Arnon Mozes — Person

About

Arnon 'Noni' Mozes (born April 1, 1953, in Tel Aviv, Israel) is a prominent Israeli media executive, publisher, and leading figure in Israeli journalism and publishing. He is the editor-in-chief, controlling owner, and chair of the board of directors of Yedioth Ahronoth, one of Israel's most influential daily newspapers, which was founded by his father, Gershom Mozes, in 1939. After earning a Bachelor of Laws from Tel Aviv University in 1974, Mozes joined the family business and gradually assumed leadership roles, succeeding his father and transforming it into a major media conglomerate that includes Yedioth Books and other publishing ventures. Under his stewardship, Yedioth Ahronoth has maintained significant influence over public opinion in Israel, often shaping political discourse and editorial direction.

Mozes' career has been marked by close relationships with Israeli political leaders, including prime ministers Benjamin Netanyahu and Ehud Olmert, as well as politician Haim Ramon, raising concerns about media independence and potential conflicts of interest. These ties have often involved interviews, lobbying, and reported quid pro quo arrangements. He has been involved in Case 2000 against Netanyahu for alleged quid pro quo deals. He has been criticized for using his media platform to advance personal or political agendas, with allegations of biased reporting and undue influence on government policies.

Mozes has been at the center of several controversies, including adversarial relations with Sheldon Adelson, founder of the competing newspaper Israel Hayom, which Mozes has publicly attacked and sued over market dominance and alleged unfair competition. In 2017, Mozes reached a settlement with Benjamin Netanyahu amid investigations into potential bribery and influence peddling related to media coverage favors. In 2019, Mozes faced a separate police investigation for suspected bribery and breach of trust in dealings with journalists, though no charges were filed at the time.

Despite these controversies, Mozes remains a pivotal figure in Israel's media landscape, wielding considerable power through his control of key publications that reach millions daily. His background in law and family legacy in publishing have solidified his status, but ongoing scrutiny of his political connections underscores the complex interplay between media and power in the country.

Key Relationships

Yossi Sariel

undisclosed_business

Sariel's controversial book 'The Human Factor' was published by Yedioth Books under Mozes' oversight without full military approval, suggesting a hidden publishing deal that bypassed standard IDF disclosure protocols.

Since 2020

Benjamin Netanyahu

quid_pro_quo

In Netanyahu's Case 2000, court evidence including witness testimony and recorded conversations from around 2011–2012 revealed an alleged secret deal where Netanyahu promised regulatory advantages—specifically legislation limiting the rival newspaper Israel Hayom—for Mozes's newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, in exchange for toned-down critical and more positive media coverage of Netanyahu personally. Through editorial control of Yedioth Ahronoth and close personal ties, including private meetings, Mozes has influenced Netanyahu's public image and policy discourse, with periods of favorable coverage shaping voter perceptions during elections. Their relationship has fueled accusations of media bias in favor of the prime minister's agenda, though relations have fluctuated amid scandals.

Since 2016

Nir Hefetz

intermediary

Hefetz served as the key go-between facilitating covert discussions between Mozes and Netanyahu's inner circle, arranging meetings and relaying proposals for the media non-aggression pact detailed in Case 2000.

Since 2015

Ehud Olmert

endorsed

Under Mozes' control, Yedioth Ahronoth provided extensive favorable coverage and editorial endorsements for Olmert and the Kadima party during the 2006 and 2009 elections, and continued to support his premiership and defend him against scandals throughout his tenure and legal troubles. This dynamic stemmed from Mozes's longstanding personal connections with Olmert, which developed during his political rise and included consultations that influenced the newspaper's supportive editorial stance. Their close personal and professional relationship, which included allegations of mutual favors, served to influence both public and political support for Olmert. Through the newspaper, Mozes also facilitated high-profile interviews with Olmert, reflecting and reinforcing their alliance during his premiership.

Since 2006

Haim Ramon

lobbies

Mozes' long-standing personal and professional relationship with Ramon involved Yedioth Ahronoth lobbying for Ramon's political positions through sympathetic coverage, including defense during his 2007 trial for assault on a female soldier.

Since 1990

Sheldon Adelson

competed_against

Adelson's launch of free-distribution Israel Hayom in 2007 directly challenged Yedioth Ahronoth's dominance, sparking a fierce competition that involved political maneuvering, with Adelson using his paper to support Netanyahu and undermine Mozes' influence.

Since 2007

Recent Events

Foreign funded: Arnon Mozes → Sheldon Adelson

Adelson, as a U.S. citizen, personally funded Israel Hayom with over $50 million annually to rival Yedioth Ahronoth, creating a foreign-influenced counterforce in Israeli media that pressured Mozes' market position and political sway.

1/1/2007

Attacked: Arnon Mozes → Sheldon Adelson

Mozes, via Yedioth Ahronoth, has repeatedly attacked Adelson in editorials and articles, accusing him of foreign influence and biasing Israeli media to support Netanyahu, escalating a fierce rivalry that has led to market share battles and regulatory pushes against Israel Hayom.

1/1/2007

Key Facts

Career & Education

About

Key Relationships

Recent Events