Israel targets Haaretz after publisher calls Palestinians 'freedom fighters'
The publisher of the Haaretz news outlet has come under fire from the Israeli government after he referred to Palestinian "freedom fighters" during a speech in London.
Amos Schocken was speaking at a conference in London on Sunday when he made the comments, which have provoked calls from government ministers to clamp down on the outlet's activities.
"The Netanyahu government doesn't care about imposing a cruel apartheid regime on the Palestinian population," he told attendees.
"It dismisses the costs of both sides for defending the settlements while fighting the Palestinian freedom fighters, that Israel calls terrorists."
Following outcry, Schocken clarified his remarks to indicate he did not consider Hamas to be "freedom fighters" and emphasised he supported freedom fighters who did not use "terrorism".
New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch
Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters
Nevertheless, Israel's Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi submitted a proposal on Thursday calling for a number of government restrictions on Haaretz as a result of Schocken's comments.
Amongst the new proposals issued by Karhi's office are that the government: "Shall not enter into new contracts with Haaretz, including individual subscriptions for state employees, nor renew any existing contracts; all current agreements with Haaretz, including personal subscriptions, will be cancelled as legally feasible."
It also said that the Government Advertising Bureau shall: "Direct Haaretz to cease all advertisements, including statutory notices, regardless of payment status, and seek refunds for any existing payments. No further ads shall be placed in the publication."
The proposal is identical to one issued by Karhi in November 2023, when he accused the outlet of undermining Israel's war efforts in Gaza.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin also sent a letter on Thursday to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miar requesting powers to restrict Haaretz's operations.
"I ask that you urgently provide me with a draft law stipulating that actions by Israeli citizens to promote or encourage international sanctions on Israel, its leaders, security forces, and citizens shall constitute a criminal offence punishable by ten years in prison," he wrote.
"I further request that such an offence during wartime be considered an aggravating circumstance, allowing for the penalty to be doubled."
He also cited comments by Schocken in his speech where he called for sanctions to be levied against Israeli government officials.
"Calls for sanctions against Israel… constitute a severe breach of the fundamental duty of loyalty of a citizen toward their country. Such actions promote a course intended to deprive Israel of its right to self-defence," Levin wrote.
Haaretz, a left-leaning outlet that has been heavily critical of the Netanyahu government and offers space to pro-Palestinian views, has faced repeated calls for censorship by right-wing politicians.
Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.
