The Israeli government on Sunday approved a decision to cut all ties with the left-wing Israeli newspaper Haaretzaccording to an article published by the latter.
According to a press release from the office of the Minister of Communications, Shlomo Karhi, this measure was motivated by “numerous articles harming the legitimacy of the State of Israel in the world and its right to self-defense”1. He states that this decision was made in light of “recent statements by the editor-in-chief of Haaretz“, Amos Schocken.
The latter would have expressed his support for “terrorism” and “called for sanctions against the government”, specifies the press release.
Karhi said: “We cannot allow a reality where the director of an official newspaper of the State of Israel calls for sanctions against him and supports the enemies of the state in the midst of war, while international bodies undermine Israel’s legitimacy, its right to self-defense, and in effect impose sanctions against the state and its leaders.”
Controversial comments
Schocken's controversial comments were made at a conference hosted by Haaretz in London, October 27. He reportedly called Palestinian fighters “freedom fighters,” accused the Israeli government of “apartheid” in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, and claimed that the Israel Defense Forces were carrying out a “second nakba,” a term used by Arabs. to designate the creation of the modern State of Israel in 1948.
In response, several Israeli ministries, including Foreign Affairs, Education, Culture and Sports, as well as Diaspora Affairs, announced the severance of their commercial ties with Haaretz. The cabinet decision, taken on Sunday, made the break official, suspending all state-funded advertising, subscriptions and other financial ties with the newspaper.
This would have caused a significant financial blow to Haaretzwhich lost hundreds of subscribers after Schocken's statements. According to Walla Newsinternal meetings at the newspaper reported “a sharp increase in cancellations and a significant drop in advertising revenue”, one of the most severe financial crises in years.
Separately, Justice Minister Yariv Levin is working on legislation to criminalize calls by Israeli citizens for international sanctions against Israel. If passed, the law would provide for penalties of up to 20 years in prison for anyone publicly advocating such sanctions against Israel, its leaders, its security forces or its citizens.
Levin argued that these actions amounted to “encouraging moves to deny Israel's right to defend itself,” a particularly serious offense in times of existential conflict and when Israeli citizens are detained by “terrorist groups.”
