Israel’s far-right government ministers are increasing pressure on foreign media outlets, accusing them of endangering national security by broadcasting footage from sites impacted by Iranian missile attacks. Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir has called on the Shin Bet security agency to investigate certain foreign journalists, claiming they are violating military censorship laws.
In a formal letter to the acting head of Shin Bet, Ben Gvir stated that some media outlets were “violating censorship orders and committing a serious national security offense” by airing live footage from missile strike locations. He urged the agency to take action to “prevent the ongoing, reckless, and dangerous conduct” of reporting directly from these impact sites.
Ben Gvir’s move was backed by Communications Minister Shlomo Karni, who released a joint statement warning that such broadcasts “often reveal the exact locations of missile impacts, the extent of the damage, and in some cases, sensitive visual material from the incident sites.” The ministers argued that this information could be exploited by enemy states or terrorist organizations.
Foreign and local media outlets frequently report from missile strike locations, often with coordination from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The military permits filming at selected impact sites, including recent incidents in Ramat Gan and the hospital strike in Beer Sheva. Journalists operating in Israel are subject to the country’s military censorship laws and must sometimes submit their footage for review prior to publication.
The crackdown on foreign media has sparked strong criticism from Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, who warned that the attempt to control press coverage would be both ineffective and damaging to Israel’s international reputation.
“The decision to put into place a sweeping embargo on coverage is unenforceable when everyone has a cell phone with a camera,” Lapid said. “It pointlessly undermines the global support Israel has received this past week for the just war we are fighting.”
While Israel continues to navigate a sensitive military and diplomatic situation, the government’s attempt to limit media coverage has raised serious concerns about press freedom and transparency. Observers say the move could alienate foreign journalists and erode the international goodwill Israel has sought to foster amid its ongoing conflict with Iran.
