The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has implemented a boycott of Haaretz, one of the country’s leading newspapers and its oldest publication. The measure prohibits government employees from engaging with journalists from the left-liberal outlet and bans official advertisements and announcements from being placed in the newspaper. The decision was announced by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi on social media platform X, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the government and the press.
Justifications from the Government
Minister Karhi justified the decision by accusing Haaretz of undermining the state during wartime. He referred to comments made by Haaretz publisher Amos Schocken at a London conference, where Schocken reportedly criticised the government’s policies towards Palestinians, describing them as a “brutal apartheid regime.” Schocken’s remarks also included references to “Palestinian freedom fighters,” a term which he later clarified was not intended to refer to Hamas.
Karhi stated,
“We will not allow a reality in which the publisher of an official Israeli newspaper calls for sanctions against the state of Israel and supports its enemies during wartime.”
He emphasised that while the government supports a free press, it reserves the right to refuse funding for what it deems “incitement” against the state.
Haaretz Responds
In response, Haaretz accused Netanyahu’s administration of eroding Israeli democracy. The newspaper characterised the government’s boycott as an “opportunistic” decision that mirrors the tactics of autocratic leaders such as Vladimir Putin, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Viktor Orbán. It further warned that the move represents a step toward silencing critical and independent media.
A History of Influence
Founded in 1918, Haaretz is Israel’s oldest newspaper and has long been regarded as one of the most influential outlets in the country. Known for its rigorous news coverage and opinion pieces, the newspaper holds a respected position among Israeli and international audiences. According to the Center for Research Libraries, Haaretz is considered the most influential and respected publication among Israel’s daily newspapers.
The boycott comes as Haaretz maintains its position as a critical voice against Netanyahu’s administration, particularly regarding its policies toward Palestinians and judicial reforms that have sparked widespread protests.
Broader Context
This development is part of a broader pattern of government actions against media outlets seen as critical of its policies. Earlier this year, the Israeli government moved to close the local offices of Al Jazeera, citing the network’s alleged connections to Hamas. Communications Minister Karhi declared at the time, “Israel will not allow Hamas to broadcast from here.” Al Jazeera’s broadcasts and website have since been blocked within the country, marking the first instance of an international news organisation being shut down in Israel.
The Netanyahu government’s decision to boycott Haaretz is likely to exacerbate the polarisation of Israeli society and raise questions about the country’s commitment to press freedom. Critics argue that such actions undermine democratic norms and reflect a broader trend of governmental intolerance toward dissenting voices.
