Bari Weiss Secures Netanyahu Interview for '60 Minutes' with Major Garrett

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu participated in his first major U.S. broadcast interview since the Iran war, appearing on '60 Minutes' with CBS News' Chief Washington Correspondent Major Garrett. The interview was arranged by CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, who offered Netanyahu a choice between Garrett and veteran '60 Minutes' correspondent Lesley Stahl. According to sources, Netanyahu's office selected Garrett over Stahl.

An insider commented, "Bari did what she had to do to secure the interview. Bibi's office picked Major over Stahl."

CBS News stated, "It's the editor in chief's job to make decisions about bookings and interviews. Major is a world-class journalist and did a tough, fair, and newsmaking interview."

The decision to allow the interviewee to choose the interviewer is uncommon but not unprecedented. For instance, President Trump previously selected ABC News' Terry Moran for an interview, though ABC News did not confirm if veto power was granted.

This marks the second time in recent months that Weiss assigned a high-profile interview to Garrett instead of a '60 Minutes' correspondent. In March, Garrett interviewed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for the program.

The interview included notable moments, such as Netanyahu stating that the war in Iran was "not over" and expressing a desire to end U.S. military financial support for Israel.

Weiss's approach is part of a broader strategy to integrate CBS News talent into '60 Minutes.' A source noted, "She's opening up '60 Minutes' to the news division," indicating that correspondents like Norah O'Donnell, Matt Gutman, and Tony Dokoupil are expected to appear on the program in the future.

While some insiders suggested that Netanyahu preferred Garrett as a more agreeable interviewer, the interview addressed significant topics, including the ongoing conflict in Iran and U.S. military aid to Israel.