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Yoav ItzhakIsraeli independent investigative journalist
Date of Birth: 01.01.1957
Country:  Israel |
Content:
- Israeli Independent Investigative Journalist
- Career in Journalism
- Conflict with Stock Exchange and First Legal Battle
- Work at Ma'ariv and Challenges
- Investigation into Golden Calf
- Revelations at Globes
- Lawsuits and Investigations
- Return to Ma'ariv and Independent Column
- Conflict with Ma'ariv
- News1 Website
- Investigations into Ehud Olmert
- Initiatives and Advocacy
- Personal Life
Israeli Independent Investigative Journalist
Early Life and EducationYoav Yitzhak was born in 1957 in Petah Tikva, Israel, to Yemeni immigrants. He grew up in a family of 10 children and aspired to a career in the navy.
Career in Journalism
Yitzhak began his journalism career as a top reporter covering the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. He helped establish the business newspaper Globes and worked as a reporter for Ma'ariv and Davar.
Conflict with Stock Exchange and First Legal Battle
The Stock Exchange demanded that Yitzhak refrain from publishing detailed information and broker names to avoid criticism. When he refused to comply, the CEO of the exchange barred him from the premises. In 1986, Yitzhak filed his first petition to the Supreme Court, which granted him access to the exchange.
Work at Ma'ariv and Challenges
Yitzhak worked for Ma'ariv from 1986 to 1990. He later described these as "four years of fruitful and interesting work." In January 1989, he launched a series of investigations into the Clal Group, prompting a boycott by the newspaper's advertisers. Ma'ariv eventually compromised with the company, and Yitzhak resigned.
Investigation into Golden Calf
After leaving Ma'ariv, Yitzhak wrote his first book, "Golden Calf," published in 1991. He also became a freelance writer for Globes and Ha-Ir and later HaOlam HaZe.
Revelations at Globes
Yitzhak exposed the "Holyland 1" case while working at Globes. He resigned after his editor-in-chief refused to support his investigation.
Lawsuits and Investigations
Yitzhak frequently files lawsuits when he believes his investigations have not received sufficient attention in the media. If his investigations gain traction, he tends to refrain from legal action.
Return to Ma'ariv and Independent Column
In 1996, Yitzhak returned to Ma'ariv as an independent journalist. He published critical and satirical columns under "First Class," exposing corruption and holding government, media, and corporations accountable.
Conflict with Ma'ariv
In 2006, Yitzhak resigned from Ma'ariv after his editor delayed the publication of investigations into Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
News1 Website
In December 2000, Yitzhak founded the news website News1-First Class News. The site covers current events, legal issues, economics, media, education, and more, with Yitzhak serving as editor and publisher.
Investigations into Ehud Olmert
Yitzhak's investigations exposed several scandals involving Olmert, including the sale of his Jerusalem home, the purchase of another home, the use of expensive pens, political appointments, and the privatization of Leumi Bank. These revelations led to Olmert's indictment and eventual resignation.
Initiatives and Advocacy
Yitzhak initiated the formation of the Union of Independent Journalists of Israel in 2011. In 2012, he criticized the Press Council's ethics tribunal for exceeding its authority. In 2013, he established a task force at News1 to expand their investigations into legal and economic issues.
Personal Life
Yitzhak is married with three children and lives and works in Petah Tikva.
