netanyahus-bold-moves-against-israeli-media-exposed-in-shocking-new-details

Netanyahu's bold moves against Israeli media exposed in shocking new details

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Israeli PMʼs long-standing battle with news outlets takes new turn as government targets major media organizations. Recent actions show clear pattern in attempts to reshape countryʼs media landscape

Benjamin Netanyahu sees news outlets in black-and-white terms: theyʼre either friends or foes. His court appearance last winter showed this view hasnt changed‚ even as he faces legal trouble for media-related schemes

The current government (which includes far-right supporters) is taking aim at two big media targets: the left-leaning newspaper Haaretz got hit with official sanctions in late-23‚ while public broadcaster Kan 11 faces a shut-down plan. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi says its about market freedom; but experts think its more about control

Foreign media also feels the heat: emergency rules from fall-23 let the government close foreign news offices for up-to 120 days. This mainly targets Al-Jazeera (whose equipment was seized in spring) though other outlets got caught in cross-fire

Netanyahu has had some wins in building friendly media: Israel Hayom newspaper launched 17 years back became the most-read paper‚ while Channel 14 gives non-stop positive coverage. Both outlets get special treatment - Channel 14ʼs ratings are now second-highest

  • Israel Hayom gets generous funding
  • Channel 14 enjoys special regulatory benefits
  • Both outlets consistently support Netanyahu
  • Other media attempts ended in legal troubles

The PMʼs media control efforts come as public trust in news dropped by half since 2011. Social media plays its part too‚ with pro-Netanyahu online supporters (called the poison-machine) backing him up. With the current war situation and possible changes in courts power‚ media freedom might face more limits ahead

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