Democrats Block Channel 14 Reporter From Covering Tel Aviv Primaries Despite Court Order

Nearly 100,000 members of the Democratic Party, a union of Labor and Meretz, voted in primaries to determine the party's Knesset list at the Tel Aviv port. Channel 14 reporter Avraham Hasson arrived to cover the event but was denied entry by party officials who told him he was "not on the list," despite a court ruling requiring the party to allow Channel 14 journalists to cover their events.

The day before, Channel 14 had requested access to the primaries, but the party refused. Following the refusal, Channel 14 petitioned the Tel Aviv District Court, which referenced a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that prohibited Meretz from barring Channel 14 reporters from covering its conferences. The judge ordered the Democrats to comply with this precedent.

At the event, Hasson identified himself but was repeatedly denied entry and told to wait aside. When he asked to speak with someone who could authorize his access, officials promised to bring the appropriate person but never followed through, leaving the Channel 14 team outside.

Hasson criticized the party live on air, saying it showed disbelief not only in freedom of expression and press freedom but also in the spirit of the court's decision. Anchor Maggie Tabibi added that the party, which champions democratic values, once again chose to boycott a media outlet and prevent free journalistic coverage.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the Democratic Party and Channel 14, raising questions about press access and party transparency ahead of the 2026 elections.