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Israel Unanimously Bars Government Ties with Haaretz Over Publisher's Hamas Remarks

Nov 24, 2024, 03:56 PM

On November 24, 2024, the Israeli government, led by Communications Minister Dr. Shlomo Karhi, unanimously approved a resolution to bar government bodies from engaging with or advertising in the Haaretz newspaper. The mandate directs all government-funded institutions to cease communications, halt state-funded subscriptions, and end any advertising with the publication. The move follows controversial comments by Haaretz's publisher, Amos Schocken, who referred to Hamas as "freedom fighters," supported Israel's enemies, and called for sanctions against the state amid the ongoing war. The government cited Haaretz's actions as harming the legitimacy of the state. Haaretz responded by affirming its commitment to journalism, stating it will not be deterred, and encouraged readers to subscribe in support. Critics view this action as an attack on press freedom and a step towards dismantling Israeli democracy.