Police Close Investigation into Channel 14 Incitement Claims

Israel's Police Investigations and Intelligence Department has decided to close a probe into Channel 14, following claims of incitement broadcast by the outlet. The decision means the state is now asking the High Court of Justice to dismiss a petition that sought a criminal investigation against the channel.

The petition was filed by the Israeli Democratic Bloc, Zulat - This is Israel, and the Movement for Fair Regulation. They alleged that Channel 14 broadcasts contained statements constituting incitement to genocide, violence, and racism. The petitioners sought to compel the Attorney General, the State Prosecutor, and the police to explain why a criminal investigation had not been opened.

According to the state's announcement to the High Court, all statements documented in the complaint were examined by a professional opinion unit within the Investigations and Intelligence Department. A formal opinion was then formulated and passed up the police command chain to senior officials. Despite this thorough review, the head of the department ultimately ruled to close the investigation file.

This decision is seen as a setback for the petitioners, who aimed to use the legal system to curb speech on the channel, which they viewed as harmful. The state argues that with the investigation closed, the petition in its current form is now moot and should be struck from the court's docket. This marks the end, for now, of an effort to move discussions and statements aired on Channel 14 from the public and media sphere into criminal proceedings.