Online Attacks on Israeli Journalists Surge 400%, Study Finds

A new study by the organization "Fake Reporter" reveals a dramatic increase in online harassment targeting Israeli journalists and media outlets. Over the past two years, the discourse on X (formerly Twitter) has shifted from criticism of journalistic work to accusations of treason, insults, conspiracy theories, and even threats, with the negative and inciting speech against media professionals skyrocketing by 404% compared to the preceding two years. In some instances, the harassment extended to the journalists' families and homes.

The research analyzed over a million tweets from approximately 6,000 accounts identified by Fake Reporter as supporters of the Netanyahu government. While the study notes limitations in how accounts were classified and how distinguishing between critical and harmful speech was conducted, it highlights a consistent pattern: news events trigger a sharp rise in online activity directed at the journalists involved. For example, following Guy Peleg's report from Sde Teiman in August 2024, over 5,300 tweets focused on him and his report. Similarly, Ronen Bergman faced accusations of receiving military leaks and acting to thwart military operations after his report on the October 7th failures in November 2024.

The attacks often transcend professional criticism, portraying journalists and media organizations as acting against the state or serving foreign interests. The study does not prove coordination among the accounts or a single orchestrating entity but points to recurring targets and activity spikes around specific news events. The focus of these attacks shifts, with some outlets and journalists seeing a decrease in negative discourse while others, like Lucy Aharish and Ynet, experienced an increase.

Fake Reporter identified "liberallikudnik" as the most active account, posting over 5,000 tweets about journalists and media. Other active accounts include those of Eli Zipori and "Ronit the Bibist." The harassment has also spilled into personal lives, with false information spread about journalists' family members, including a minor's photo being shared. The study also documented curses, racist remarks, sexual harassment, and death wishes directed at media personnel.

In several cases, online hostility was accompanied by physical harassment. Guy Peleg was physically accosted, and a banner was hung against him. Individuals also confronted Lucy Aharish at her home. Vandalism was reported at the offices of Channel 12, Haaretz, and Channel 13. While the study doesn't directly link online posts to these physical incidents, Fake Reporter warns that the proximity between online targeting, escalating rhetoric, and physical harassment indicates a danger beyond public debate, potentially impacting press freedom and the public's ability to receive reliable information.