Press Council accuses IDF of media discrimination
The Press Council has appealed to the IDF Spokesperson following reports that journalists were blocked from entering Qusra, while a Channel 14 reporter was granted access. The Council demands equal procedures for all media outlets and warns against threats to press freedom.
The Press Council and Media in Israel has requested an urgent meeting with the IDF Spokesperson following allegations of selective enforcement against journalists during the coverage of events this week in the village of Qusra.
According to the Council, the army prevented journalists from reaching the scene, while a Channel 14 reporter was permitted to enter and broadcast from within the area designated as a closed military zone.
The Council clarified that it recognizes the IDF's authority to declare areas closed for security reasons. However, it argued that the issue arises when such restrictions are not applied equally to all media outlets.
According to the Council, distinguishing between journalists permitted to enter an area and those denied access harms freedom of the press and the public's right to receive information about events on the ground.
"Selective enforcement harms freedom of the press"
The Press Council emphasized that journalists, both Israeli and international, aim to fulfill their role of reporting the situation to the public, and the army must facilitate their work in an equitable manner, subject to security constraints.
The Council has demanded that the IDF ensure equal freedom of movement for all journalists, review existing procedures, and prevent what it describes as discrimination between media outlets. The Council further called to "root out improper norms of abuse of power and discrimination against the media" and to implement standardized, equal procedures for access.
