Israel boycotts Haaretz for criticizing government actions

In a move reflecting escalating tensions surrounding press freedom in Israel, the Cabinet unanimously approved a boycott of Haaretz, the country's oldest newspaper, over its critical reporting of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The decision, announced by the communications minister Shlomo Karhi, is a direct response to comments made by the newspaper's publisher, Amos Schocken, who called for sanctions against Israeli leaders at a recent press event in London. The proposed boycott includes halting government advertising and revoking subscriptions for state employees, which proponents argue is necessary to protect against what they term as incitement against the state. Haaretz has gained global recognition for its in-depth analysis and critical stance towards the Israeli government, especially under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who currently leads a rightwing coalition. The newspaper's fierce reporting includes investigations into alleged abuses by the Israeli military during the conflict. In light of such scrutiny, Haaretz has publicly accused Netanyahu of attempts to undermine democracy, likening his actions to those of authoritarian leaders. The Israeli government has faced mounting criticism regarding its stance on press freedom especially in light of recent events, which have resulted in fatalities among journalists covering the conflict. The Committee to Protect Journalists has stated that at least 137 journalists have lost their lives since the outbreak of the current war, with the majority being Palestinian journalists. This alarming statistic reflects the broader dangers faced by the media in the region, including the shuttering of Al Jazeera's West Bank bureau by Israeli authorities on national security grounds, a claim that many press freedom advocates dispute. The legislation affecting foreign media has now been extended, allowing further restrictions on any outlet deemed a threat. This situation represents a significant shift in the landscape of media independence in Israel, which traditionally boasts itself as the only democracy in the Middle East. Overall, recent actions by the government reflect a troubling trend towards limiting criticism and controlling narratives, raising concerns about the implications for democracy and freedom of speech within the country.