Israeli newspaper sparks outrage with 'Genocide is Permissible' blog

A screenshot of the Times of Israel blog post "When Genocide Is Permissible." Photo: screenshot


A blog post about the Israel-Gaza conflict that was published by an Israeli online newspaper on Friday provoked an avalanche of criticism and outrage on social media, prompting the news outlet to dismiss its author.

The Times of Israel announced on Friday that it ended its association with Yochanan Gordon, a writer who authored a post entitled "When Genocide Is Permissible."


“Hamas has stated forthrightly that it idealizes death as much as Israel celebrates life. What other way then is there to deal with an enemy of this nature other than obliterate them completely?” Gordon wrote in the Times of Israelarticle. “We have already established that it is the responsibility of every government to ensure the safety and security of its people. If political leaders and military experts determine that the only way to achieve its goal of sustaining quiet is through genocide is it then permissible to achieve those responsible goals?”

Gordon's blog post enraged thousands who took to Twitter to express their bewilderment at how such a piece could be approved.

In response to the public fury touched off by Gordon's post, the Times of Israel deleted the article and announced that it has discontinued its relationship with the author.

"The Times of Israel maintains an open blog platform: Once we have accepted bloggers, we allow them to post their own items," the newspaper said. "This trust has rarely been abused. We are angry and appalled that it was in this case, and will take steps to prevent a recurrence."

"We will not countenance blog posts that incite to violence or criminal acts."

Gordon later apologized in a statement that was posted on the website of another New York-based publication that ran the initial blog.

"I wish to express deep regret and beg forgiveness for an article I authored which was posted on 5TJT.com, Times of Israel and was tweeted and shared the world over," Gordon wrote.

"I never intended to call to harm any people although my words may have conveyed that message. With that said I pray and hope for a quick peaceful end to the hostilities and that all people learn to coexist with each other in creating a better world for us all."

sources