Gideon Levy, born on June 2, 1953, in Tel Aviv, Israel, is a prominent Israeli journalist, author, and columnist at Haaretz, Israel's leading liberal daily, known for his critical stance on Israeli occupation and human rights issues. He is particularly recognized for his outspoken criticism of Israel's policies toward the Palestinians and its occupation of the Palestinian territories. Raised in a secular Jewish family in Tel Aviv, Levy grew up in an environment that shaped his early interest in social justice and human rights. He served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during his mandatory military service, an experience that later influenced his perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. After his service, Levy pursued studies in law and philosophy at Tel Aviv University but did not complete a degree, instead transitioning into journalism and public service.

Levy began his professional career in the 1970s at the Israeli Foreign Ministry, where he worked as a spokesman and aide to Shimon Peres. In 1982, he joined Haaretz, where he has since become a key columnist and editorial writer. His weekly column, 'Twilight Zone,' focuses on the lives of Palestinians under occupation, highlighting human rights abuses and the impacts of Israeli policies through personal stories and on-the-ground reporting. Levy's work often challenges mainstream Israeli narratives, advocating for peace, equality, and an end to the occupation. He has authored several books, including 'The Punishment of Gaza' (2010), which critiques Israel's military actions in Gaza.

Throughout his career, Levy has received numerous accolades for his courageous journalism, including Israel's prestigious Sokolov Award for journalism in 2021, as well as prizes from organizations like the International Media Awards for his reporting on human rights in the occupied territories. Despite his influence, Levy's views have sparked controversy in Israel, where he has been accused by critics of being overly sympathetic to Palestinians and anti-Zionist, leading to public backlash and debates about media bias. He remains a vocal figure in Israeli discourse, contributing to discussions on ethics, politics, and international relations.