Journalists Denounce Police Investigation of Raviv Drucker as Intimidation Tactic

A police investigation into prominent Israeli journalist Raviv Drucker on suspicion of using a mobile phone while driving has sparked widespread criticism from his colleagues, who are calling it a politically motivated intimidation tactic. The investigation stems from a video showing Drucker holding a phone while driving, and a complaint filed by the Likud movement.

Journalists have questioned the resources allocated to the investigation, with Haaretz reporter Yair Fuldsh stating that a team consisting of an officer and two investigators interrogated Drucker. Fuldsh described the move as an "attempt to intimidate a journalist" and a "clear fascist marker," expressing dismay at the police's priorities while "people are murdered in the streets."

Other journalists echoed these sentiments. Aviad Glickman of Channel 13 criticized the police for insisting on a formal investigation under caution rather than issuing a fine, labeling it "a fully political police force." He argued that the case transcends personal opinions of Drucker, questioning the state of democracy and its rules.

Tamar Almog of the Kan public broadcaster asserted that the government is ensuring critical journalists are investigated for offenses typically handled with fines. Yosef Israel decried the probe as a "dark intimidation investigation" that should alarm all Israelis, regardless of political affiliation.