Renowned Israeli Journalist Dan Margalit Passes Away at 87

Dan Margalit, one of Israel’s most prominent and longstanding journalists, has passed away at the age of 87. His daughter, Shira Margalit, announced his death, noting he died peacefully at home in Tel Aviv, surrounded by family.

Margalit’s career spanned more than five decades and left a deep imprint on Israeli journalism and political discourse. Known for his probing reporting and firm stance on national matters, Margalit played a central role in one of the country’s major political shakeups: the exposure of Yitzhak Rabin’s illegal foreign bank account in the 1970s, which led to Rabin’s resignation as prime minister.

Born in Tel Aviv, Margalit studied international relations and modern Jewish history at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He went on to write for leading Israeli newspapers such as Maariv, Haaretz, and Israel Hayom, where he consistently offered sharp commentary on the nation's affairs.

In broadcasting, Margalit was a familiar presence to Israeli viewers. He hosted “Erev Hadash” on Educational Television for more than three decades and was also a central voice on the spirited debate show “Popolitika” in the 1990s. His work often stirred conversation, debate, and at times, controversy an indication of his enduring influence in shaping public opinion.

Briefly appointed editor of Maariv in 1992, he resigned within six months over editorial disagreements, choosing journalistic independence over institutional constraints.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett paid tribute to Margalit, calling him “part of the landscape of our childhood” and someone who embodied “love for the land and the country, alongside journalistic integrity.”

In later years, however, Margalit's legacy became more complex. In 2018, several women in the media industry accused him of sexual harassment dating back to the 1980s and 1990s. The allegations led Margalit to suspend himself from further journalistic activity. These accounts, publicly documented and corroborated by some of the accusers, sparked a wider conversation in Israeli media about power dynamics and accountability.

Despite the controversy, Margalit’s contributions to Israeli journalism remain significant. He challenged authority, illuminated major political issues, and left behind a body of work that will continue to be studied and debated.

As Israel continues to grow and evolve, it does so on the foundation laid by those who dared to question and investigate. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for more in-depth stories from the heart of Israel.