Israeli Military Censor Bars Publication of Over 600 Articles in 2023
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In 2023, the Israeli military censor prohibited the publication of 613 articles and redacted parts of 2,703 others, marking a record-breaking year for censorship in Israel. The censor’s actions averaged to preventing information from being made public nine times a day. These figures were disclosed in response to a freedom of information request by +972 Magazine and the Movement for Freedom of Information in Israel.
Israeli law mandates that all articles related to “security issues” undergo review by the military censor before publication. The censor’s authority to redact articles, even retroactively, is based on emergency regulations dating back to Israel’s founding. Despite legal restrictions to prevent arbitrary interference, the censor’s broad definition of “security issues” and extensive oversight highlight the opacity of its operations.
While media outlets have the discretion to submit articles for review, the censor’s significant powers include indictment and closure of media organizations. The recent surge in censorship numbers, especially during wartime, raises concerns about press freedom and the withholding of vital information from the public.
A wartime trend
The heightened censorship in 2023, particularly linked to the Gaza conflict, mirrors a trend seen in previous conflicts. The censor’s increased interventions and close monitoring of media activities suggest a tightening grip on information flow. The government’s efforts to widen censorship and limit foreign media operations further highlight the challenges faced by journalists in reporting objectively.
Despite international rankings pointing to a declining press freedom in Israel, civil rights groups and journalist unions continue to push back against government restrictions. The impact of these measures on media independence and accountability remains a concerning issue, especially in conflict zones like Gaza, where both Israeli and Palestinian journalists face significant risks in their reporting.
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