Israeli Politicians Condemn Vandalism and Threats Against Channel 12 News

The entrance glass doors of Channel 12 News headquarters in Tel Aviv were smashed for the second time in less than a month, accompanied by a threatening letter left at the scene targeting the station's employees. The letter warned, "Next time the stone will be aimed at one of your heads, someone will die." The police have launched an investigation but have yet to apprehend any suspects despite video footage from an earlier incident this month showing a masked individual throwing a stone.

President Isaac Herzog spoke with Police Commissioner Major General Danni Levi, emphasizing that violence cannot be tolerated as a means to silence voices in Israeli society. Herzog called for swift action to find and prosecute those responsible, underscoring the importance of a free and independent press as a cornerstone of democracy. Commissioner Levi responded by pledging a thorough investigation and instructing the Tel Aviv district commander to use all operational and investigative resources to apprehend the perpetrator.

Political figures across the spectrum condemned the attacks. Likud-affiliated "Im Tirtzu" movement strongly denounced the vandalism and threats, stating there is no place for violence in a democratic state. MK Tzvi Sukkot acknowledged his criticism of Channel 12's coverage but stressed that "all red lines have been crossed" and that discourse must remain respectful. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called the attacks a "red line" and urged the police to respond with maximum severity, promising that a future government would protect press freedom.

Other leaders including Gadi Eisenkot of the "Yisrael" party, Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beiteinu, and Democratic Party head Yair Golan linked the violence to ongoing incitement against journalists, warning that such hostility threatens democracy itself. Former Communications Minister Yoaz Hendel criticized government ministers for fueling anti-media rhetoric and called for an end to such attacks. The Journalists' Association condemned the repeated incidents as evidence of a severe deterioration in respect for the press and warned that damaging the news outlet's property is an attack on the public's right to reliable and independent information.