Threatening Letter Found at Channel 12 News After Second Vandalism Incident in Tel Aviv

For the second time this month, the entrance door of Channel 12 News in Tel Aviv was smashed early Tuesday morning. Alongside the damage, a threatening letter was left at the scene explicitly warning that unless the channel apologizes for the Shde Teyman affair, further violence will occur, stating "Next time the brick will be aimed at one of your heads" and "Someone will die." The letter also included a blacklist of public figures, security officials, and judiciary members labeled as "traitors," accompanied by a divine retribution threat.

The Journalists' Union condemned the attack, emphasizing the hostile environment toward journalists ahead of the upcoming elections and warning that incitement against media personnel can escalate into violence. Channel 13 News expressed solidarity, calling the incident a dangerous crossing of a red line resulting from unchecked incitement. President Isaac Herzog spoke with Police Commissioner Danni Levi, stressing zero tolerance for intimidation and the importance of protecting press freedom and journalists' safety. The police announced they are treating the matter with utmost seriousness and will hold urgent discussions.

Political leaders also responded strongly. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called the attack a red line and urged immediate police action. Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot accused the government of systematic incitement against the media and criticized its silence on the violence. Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman condemned the repeated attacks and demanded the perpetrators be brought to justice. Democratic Party head Yair Golan blamed Prime Minister Netanyahu for fostering division and incitement that leads to violence, calling the attack an assault on democracy itself. From the coalition, Education Committee Chair Tzvi Sukkot condemned the threats and violence, calling for law enforcement to find the culprit and maintain respectful public discourse.

The first attack on Channel 12’s glass doors occurred earlier this month when a masked individual threw a brick at the entrance. Despite security footage, no arrests have been made yet. The ongoing threats and attacks highlight escalating tensions surrounding media coverage and political discourse in Israel ahead of the elections.