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JERUSALEM – Israel is facing intense scrutiny after imposing stringent new censorship rules on foreign media outlets, requiring prior military approval for broadcasts from combat zones and areas affected by missile strikes.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has voiced strong concerns about these directives, labeling them a severe restriction on press freedom. Sara Qudah, CPJ’s regional director, stated that such censorship prevents the world from receiving an unbiased view of events unfolding in the region.
The Union of Journalists in Israel has joined the chorus of disapproval. Opposition leader Yair Lapid argues that the censorship damages Israel’s diplomatic standing and is practically impossible to enforce given the prevalence of smartphones.
These measures pose significant obstacles for international news organizations. The International Federation of Journalists has condemned the attacks on journalists in the region and urged Israeli authorities to respect press freedom. The Foreign Press Association has also highlighted an existing ban on foreign journalists entering Gaza, severely limiting independent reporting.
According to sources, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued an order on June 18 mandating prior army approval for anyone broadcasting the aftermath of attacks on Israeli military sites, including social media posts. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have reportedly informed foreign journalists that all coverage requires written authorization. Unauthorized broadcasting of location or descriptive information will be treated as a criminal offense, with police empowered to confiscate equipment, revoke press credentials, and detain violators.
Israeli officials defend these measures as necessary to prevent “media chaos” during wartime and to ensure national security. They cite previous actions against Al Jazeera and other outlets as examples of successful enforcement. The Government Press Office (GPO) has clarified that approval is needed for both the location and its description.
Reports indicate that enforcement is already underway. Police have allegedly confiscated equipment and confronted journalists at rocket impact sites. On June 16, a hotel in Haifa was reportedly raided, equipment was seized, and an investigation was launched. There are also reports of police obstructing camera views.
The CPJ reports that approximately 185 journalists have been killed in Palestinian territory by Israeli forces since October 2023. Concerns are growing about Israel’s increasing restrictions on speech in the name of national security.
The CPJ continues to monitor press freedom issues, including the detention of journalist Mario Guevara and the denial of entry to writer Alistair Kitchen into the U.S.