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 staff. 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 arrest any suspects despite video footage from an earlier incident 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 and decisive action to apprehend those responsible and stressed the importance of a free and independent press as a cornerstone of democracy. Commissioner Levi responded by ordering an urgent meeting and instructing the Tel Aviv district commander to use all operational and investigative resources to find and arrest the perpetrator.

Political figures across the spectrum condemned the attack. Likud-affiliated "Im Tirtzu" movement strongly denounced the vandalism and threats, stating there is no place for violence in a democratic state. Knesset Member Tzvi Sukkot said the violence crossed all red lines, urging respect for discourse boundaries despite his criticism of the channel's coverage. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called the attack a red line violation and demanded immediate police action, pledging to protect press freedom in the next government.

Other leaders, including "Yesh Atid" chairman Gadi Eisenkot, Israel Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman, Democratic Party head Yair Golan, and former Communications Minister Yoaz Hendel, also condemned the incident. They highlighted the dangers of incitement against journalists, linking it to escalating violence and calling for an end to government-led attacks on media institutions. The Journalists' Association described the repeated attacks as evidence of a severe deterioration in respect for the press and a threat to the public's right to reliable, critical, and independent information.