The threat to freedom of speech: "They will silence us and shut down Channel 14"

Minister Itamar Ben Gvir warned on election day against shutting down Channel 14 and silencing right-wing voices in the event of a left-wing victory, against the backdrop of Yair Golan's repeated statements that he would close the channel if it did not sign a code of ethics.

Chairman of Otzma Yehudit, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, issued a sharp warning on election day for the 26th Knesset against the formation of a left-wing government, which he said could lead to the closure of Channel 14 and the silencing of right-wing voices. Ben Gvir, speaking near the channel's studios, said: "They will silence us, shut our mouths, and close Channel 14." He referred to events in Brazil, where he said opposition figures were persecuted, and attacked the left in Israel as a "huge dictatorship." The remarks come after Chairman of the Democrats Yair Golan again stated that he would act to close the channel if it did not sign the Press Council's code of ethics. Justice Minister Yariv Levin accused Golan of wanting to take over the Communications Ministry in order to close the channel. The article presents Ben Gvir's warning without addressing Golan's position or regulatory bodies.