Netanyahu Government Faces Criticism Over Media Crackdown During Wartime

Israeli leadership restricts funding and access to left-leaning Haaretz and public broadcaster Kan 11, raising concerns about press freedom.

The Israeli government has imposed sanctions on the left-leaning newspaper Haaretz, banning state advertising and communication with the publication over its critical stance on the war and government policies.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration has also advanced legislation to privatize and potentially shut down public broadcaster Kan 11, citing the need for increased competition in the media market.
Critics argue these measures are part of a broader effort to intimidate the press, likening the actions to authoritarian media control strategies seen in other nations.
The government has extended emergency laws allowing the shutdown of foreign media outlets, such as Al Jazeera, citing national security concerns, though these measures face legal and public scrutiny.
Netanyahu, currently on trial for corruption charges involving alleged media manipulation, has long viewed the press as adversarial, with his government accused of exploiting wartime nationalism to suppress dissenting voices.