David Landau, English-Israeli journalist (b. 1947)

David Landau OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), a highly respected figure in international journalism, was a prominent British-Israeli journalist and newspaper editor. Born on 22 June 1947, Landau dedicated his career to incisive reporting and editorial leadership across various influential publications before his passing on 27 January 2015. His distinguished career spanned decades, leaving a significant mark on both Israeli and global media landscapes.

A Distinguished Career in Journalism

Landau’s career was marked by significant roles that cemented his reputation as a keen observer and shaper of discourse on Israeli and Middle Eastern affairs. His dual British and Israeli nationality provided him with a unique perspective, bridging international understanding with deep local insight into the complexities of the region.

Leadership at Haaretz

David Landau's most significant contributions were arguably during his extensive tenure at Haaretz, one of Israel's oldest and most respected newspapers. Haaretz is widely recognized for its liberal-leaning editorial stance, its critical analysis of government policies, and its in-depth coverage of political, social, and security issues, making it a pivotal voice in Israeli public discourse.

• Editor-in-Chief of Haaretz (2004 – 2008): Landau ascended to the pinnacle of editorial leadership as the editor-in-chief of the main Hebrew edition of Haaretz. In this influential role, he guided the newspaper's overall editorial direction during a crucial period for Israeli society and politics. His responsibilities encompassed overseeing all aspects of the daily newspaper's content, maintaining its journalistic integrity, and influencing public opinion on key national and international matters.
• Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Haaretz English Edition (1997 – 2004): Prior to leading the main Hebrew edition, Landau was instrumental in establishing and directing Haaretz's English-language online and print editions. This groundbreaking initiative was pivotal in making Haaretz's unique perspective, comprehensive reporting, and liberal viewpoint accessible to a global audience. The English edition served as a crucial resource for diplomats, academics, policymakers, and international media seeking direct insights into Israeli discourse and events, playing a vital role in shaping international perceptions.

Earlier Career at The Jerusalem Post

Before joining Haaretz, Landau honed his journalistic skills and built an extensive network at The Jerusalem Post, another significant English-language newspaper in Israel. The Jerusalem Post, while also influential, is often perceived as holding a more centrist or right-leaning editorial stance compared to Haaretz, offering Landau a broad exposure to different facets of Israeli journalism.

• Diplomatic Correspondent (12 years): For twelve years, Landau served as the diplomatic correspondent for The Jerusalem Post. This was a critical and demanding role, particularly in the volatile geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. His responsibilities involved reporting extensively on foreign policy, international relations, and ongoing peace processes, requiring direct engagement with political leaders, diplomats, and intelligence sources. His incisive reporting provided vital insights into Israel's standing on the global stage and its complex relationships with other nations.
• Managing Editor (4 years): During his time at The Jerusalem Post, Landau also took on the significant responsibilities of managing editor for four years. In this capacity, he was deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of the newsroom, overseeing content flow, upholding editorial standards, and ensuring the efficient publication process. His dual role as a senior reporter and managing editor underscored his comprehensive understanding of newspaper production and content quality.

Post-Haaretz: Correspondent for The Economist

Following his departure from Haaretz in 2008, David Landau continued his illustrious career by becoming the Israel correspondent for The Economist. This prestigious role allowed him to contribute his deep analytical skills, nuanced understanding of the region, and extensive network of contacts to a globally renowned weekly newspaper. The Economist is celebrated for its authoritative coverage of current affairs, international politics, and business, known for its distinct analytical approach and global perspective, making Landau's contribution particularly valuable to its readership worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About David Landau

Who was David Landau OBE?

David Landau OBE was a highly respected British-Israeli journalist and newspaper editor, known for his significant contributions to Israeli and international media. He was particularly recognized for his leadership roles at Haaretz and his insightful reporting on Middle Eastern affairs.

What were David Landau's primary editorial roles?

His most prominent editorial positions included serving as the editor-in-chief of the Israeli newspaper Haaretz from 2004 to 2008. Before that, he was the founder and editor-in-chief of Haaretz's English edition from 1997 to 2004.

Where did David Landau work before joining Haaretz?

Before his tenure at Haaretz, David Landau spent 12 years as the diplomatic correspondent for The Jerusalem Post. For four of those years, he also concurrently served as its managing editor, playing a key role in the newspaper's operations and content.

What was David Landau's last known professional role?

After leaving Haaretz in 2008, David Landau became the Israel correspondent for the internationally renowned weekly newspaper, The Economist. He held this position, contributing his expertise to global reporting, until his passing in 2015.