An investigative journalist from Israel’s Haaretz newspaper has revealed that senior security officials threatened him with severe consequences if he reported on attempts by the former Mossad chief to intimidate the ex-prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This incident adds to the growing concerns over Israel’s stringent censorship regime enforced by the military censor’s office and gag orders from the courts.
Haaretz published an article illustrating the extent of state censorship with blacked-out sections to highlight the redactions. Gur Megiddo, the reporter in question, recounted how security officials thwarted his efforts to expose the former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen’s attempts to pressure ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda through the Congolese president, Joseph Kabila. Megiddo faced direct threats from officials who warned him of severe repercussions, including potential interrogation, if he published the story or shared information with foreign media.
This account aligns with reports that Cohen used various tactics, including surveillance and threats, to undermine the ICC’s investigation into Israeli actions in Palestine. Despite the serious nature of these revelations, neither Cohen nor Kabila has responded to requests for comment.
Haaretz also published a heavily redacted article about the detention without trial of Palestinian activist Bassem Tamimi, further demonstrating the scale of censorship. The suppression of press freedom in Israel has escalated, with authorities recently shutting down Al Jazeera’s local offices and seizing equipment from the Associated Press, prompting international concern.
Under Israeli law, articles on security issues must be reviewed by the military censor, which has the authority to redact or bar publications entirely. In 2023 alone, the military censor blocked 613 articles and redacted parts of 2,703 others, marking the highest levels of censorship since data collection began in 2011.
Haggai Matar, executive director of +972 magazine, criticized the current Israeli government’s hostility towards journalism. He highlighted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s indictments related to media control and a communications minister intent on curbing press freedoms. The overarching goal appears to be influencing public perception by restricting the information available to Israeli citizens.
This pattern of suppression clearly contrasts with Israel’s self-proclaimed status as the only democracy in the Middle East. The government’s aggressive clampdown on critical reporting mocks the very principles of democracy and transparency it claims to uphold. As Israel continues to stifle dissent and control the narrative, the international community must recognize this hypocrisy and advocate for the protection of journalistic integrity and freedom of expression.
