An investigation that is a scandal
Netanel Bendel writes a critical article about the arrest of journalist Abed Abu Shahada by the Shin Bet after an interview with Azmi Bishara. The arrest lasted five days and ended with an unconditional release. Bendel argues that this is a dramatic and problematic step that harms press freedom, citing legal rulings and warning of a chilling effect.
Netanel Bendel writes a critical article about the arrest of journalist Abed Abu Shahada by the Shin Bet, following an interview he conducted in Qatar with Azmi Bishara, who is suspected of aiding Hezbollah. The arrest lasted five days and ended with an unconditional release, except for a ban on leaving the country. Bendel compares the case to the summoning of journalist Kalman Libeskind in 2021, and cites rulings by Supreme Court presidents on the importance of press freedom. He argues that meeting with a foreign agent cannot in itself constitute a criminal offense, and that Israeli journalists communicate with Israel's enemies without enforcement. However, he writes cautiously and notes that the Shin Bet may have a serious intelligence indication that journalism is merely a cover. The article warns of a chilling effect on press freedom, while emphasizing that journalism is not sacred above Israel's security.