Official announcements from foreign governments or international bodies

Israel Cuts Ties with Haaretz, Halts Government Ads Over Publisher's Call for Sanctions

Nov 24, 2024, 07:03 PM

On November 24, 2024, the Israeli government unanimously approved a proposal to cut all ties with Haaretz, a prominent newspaper established in 1919 known for its critical stance toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration. The decision, introduced by Communications Minister Dr. Shlomo Karhi, involves halting all government advertising and instructing government-funded bodies to cease any engagement with the publication. The move responds to remarks by Haaretz publisher Amos Schocken, who reportedly called for international sanctions against Israel and referred to Palestinian militants as 'freedom fighters.' The government stated that Haaretz has published articles that 'harm the legitimacy of the State of Israel and its right to self-defense' and accused the newspaper of supporting the country's enemies during a time of war.