Dr. Ofer Chen: "Free Press" in the Shadow of the Occupation
Dr. Ofer Chen argues that the assault on press freedom in Israel is a systematic policy of Netanyahu's governments to weaken internal and international criticism, preserve right-wing rule, and perpetuate the occupation. The article describes regulatory restrictions on Israeli media, a delegitimization campaign, and restrictions and violence against foreign journalists, citing documented cases.
In his article, Dr. Ofer Chen argues that the harm to press freedom in Israel is not accidental but part of a systematic policy of Netanyahu's governments to weaken internal and international oversight mechanisms, with the aim of preserving right-wing rule and perpetuating the occupation in the West Bank. The article distinguishes between two levels: first, weakening Israeli media through regulatory means, fostering right-wing media outlets, and a delegitimization campaign against critical journalists, portraying them as traitors; second, harming foreign media through movement restrictions, visa cancellations, equipment confiscation, threats, and physical violence. Chen cites documented cases: the announcement by the Ministers of Communications and National Security in June 2025, the expulsion of French journalist Alice Prussard in June 2026, violent attacks against CNN, NBC, and AFP photographer crews, and an attack by settlers on a Washington Post photographer in October 2026. The article emphasizes that the lack of enforcement against the attackers encourages further violence and deters journalists from documenting events on the ground.