Israeli Government Unanimously Sanctions Haaretz Over Publisher's Hamas Comments

Nov 24, 2024, 04:49 PM

On November 24, 2024, the Israeli government unanimously approved a resolution to cease all government advertising and communications with Haaretz, a prominent Israeli newspaper known for its critical stance against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration. The proposal, put forth by Communications Minister Dr. Shlomo Karhi, mandates that any government-funded body refrain from engaging with Haaretz or placing advertisements in the paper, effectively sanctioning the publication. This move follows controversial comments by Haaretz publisher Amos Schocken, who allegedly referred to Hamas as 'freedom fighters' and called for sanctions against Israel. The government accuses Haaretz of harming the legitimacy of the state and supporting its enemies during wartime. Haaretz has condemned the government's actions as a threat to democracy and has vowed to continue its journalistic work undeterred. The decision has raised concerns about freedom of the press and the erosion of democratic norms in Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.