White House press corps veteran Helen Thomas, 89, has faced off with nine different presidents — starting with Eisenhower — and their supporting players over the course of her career, but ultimately her own words got her in trouble and marred her hard-won reputation.

Thomas was on the receiving end of an interview with RabbiLive.com on May 27, as the Jewish Heritage Celebration went on at the White House, when she made the comments about Israeli Jews that caused an uproar last week and ultimately led to her retirement announcement on Monday. Thomas said Jews in Israel should “get the hell out of Palestine” and “go back home to Poland, Germany, America and everywhere else.”–KA

The Hill:

The longtime White House reporter is stepping down after her controversial comments on Israel. Helen Thomas announced Monday that “she is retiring, effective immediately,” according to a statement from Hearst newspapers.

Her decision comes after her controversial remarks about Israel hit the blogosphere. She later apologized for her comments.

White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) President Ed Chen criticized her remarks in a statement Monday.

“Helen Thomas’ comments were indefensible and the White House Correspondents Association board firmly dissociates itself from them.

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