Key Facts
Career & Education
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.