Ben-Gvir Warns Left-Wing Government Would Shut Down Channel 14
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned that a left-wing government would shut down Channel 14 and harm free speech, citing Yair Golan's statements as evidence. Golan had previously stated he would seek to close the channel if it didn't adopt an ethical code, calling it propaganda. The Israel Press Council condemned Golan's calls for closure but also urged the channel to meet its licensing terms. Ben-Gvir also drew parallels to Brazil, where a right-wing candidate faced passport seizure after losing an election.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned a left-wing government would shut down Channel 14 and silence critics.
- Yair Golan stated he would act to close Channel 14 if it didn't adopt an ethical code.
- Golan called Channel 14 propaganda that does not meet media standards.
- The Israel Press Council condemned calls to close media outlets, citing harm to free speech.
- Ben-Gvir cited Brazil's Flavio Bolsonaro losing passports as a warning to Israeli opposition.
- Activists placed symbolic closure orders at Channel 14's entrance.
Minister of National Security and Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir warned on Tuesday that a left-wing government would harm freedom of expression and shut down Channel 14. "The left is a huge dictatorship. They will silence us, shut our mouths, and close Channel 14," Ben-Gvir stated during a special address on the channel. His remarks followed a declaration by Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, who stated he would act to close Channel 14 if it did not adopt the Press Council's ethical code. Golan characterized the channel as propaganda that does not meet media standards. In response, activists from the Religious Zionism movement placed symbolic closure orders at the channel's entrance.
Ben-Gvir also referenced political developments in Brazil, where right-wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro lost the presidential election and was subsequently required to surrender his passports as part of an ongoing investigation. "You all saw what happened in Brazil. The day the right went to the opposition, suddenly police came and wanted to take the passports of opposition members," Ben-Gvir said, presenting the event as a warning for Israel. He reiterated his belief that "they will close Channel 14. Yair Golan is talking about it, he is saying it explicitly."
Golan's statements have drawn criticism beyond the right-wing camp. The Israel Press Council condemned his remarks, stating that calls to close media outlets harm broadcast and speech freedom, while simultaneously urging the channel to adhere to its licensing terms. Ben-Gvir concluded his address by calling on supporters to vote in the ongoing elections.
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