Israeli Media Outlets Unite Against Rising Threats and Violence Toward Journalists

On Friday, major Israeli news organizations including Kan 11, Channel 12 News, Haaretz, and Channel 13 News jointly issued a statement titled "Israeli Media Under Attack" in response to escalating physical threats against journalists. This follows incidents earlier in the week where masked assailants smashed the entrance doors of Channel 12 and Haaretz offices in Tel Aviv.

The statement condemned the recent wave of violence and incitement targeting media outlets and journalists, describing these attacks as part of a continuous campaign aimed at intimidating and silencing free press. The outlets emphasized that free journalism is a cornerstone of democracy and that journalists must be able to perform their duties without fear, especially ahead of upcoming elections.

The media organizations called on public leaders, including the President, Prime Minister, government ministers, Knesset members, and party heads, to publicly denounce the violence and incitement against the press. They urged law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible to ensure journalists can work securely.

The statement concluded with a firm commitment to continue their public mission, underscoring that free press is essential for Israeli democracy. The article also referenced recent hate graffiti targeting journalists, reinforcing the message that democracy cannot exist without free media.