Israel’s “free press”: censorship and self-censorship
JVL Introduction
Israel has a free press. We know it because we are repeatedly told about the many liberal virtues of “the only democracy in the Middle East”.
But it is severely limited as Haggai Mater of +972 Magazine explains.
Any article dealing with issues of “security” has to be submitted to the censor for review prior to publication, in line with the “emergency regulations”.
And large numbers are submitted. And last year 4,974 news items were redacted (down from 6,265 the previous year).
That’s just among those sent to the censor who, by the way, is exempt from the Freedom of Information Law…
The “security” law is wide, giving the censor the authority to indict journalists and fine, suspend, shut down, or even file criminal charges against media organisations that do not comply.
And in television studios a censor is often present to monitor live news.
As a result, the most severe censorship taking place in Israel self-censorship.
Not reporting the war crimes in Gaza, the killings and starvation of civilians, isn’t because of the censor’s cuts. It is done by choice.
This article was originally published by +972 Magazine in partnership with Local Call on Wed 17 Jun 2026. Read the original here.
15 articles a day: The extent of the Israeli army’s media interference
In 2025, the military censor banned or redacted over 5,000 news reports, with suppression peaking during Israel’s war with Iran.
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This article, based on the superb work of +972 Magazine, is typical of the excellent level of reporting of both houses. You relay, almost certainly in face of threatening opposition – especially +972 in Israel – what we can easily believe is the total truth of the chilling Israeli propaganda machine and its forces of oppression. And the threats you and all journalists in the Occupied Territories face are due to the fact you tell this terrible truth to the World.