New Instruction from Israel: 'Speak Responsibly' - Censorship Takes a Responsible Turn in Free Press!

In a rapidly changing political landscape, Israel is facing increasing criticism for its widening attack on speech, thought, and activism. The scope of Col. Ben Avraham's mandate is breathtaking, demanding that effective and hard-hitting independent Israeli bloggers and social media activists muzzle themselves unless they receive her prior approval.

This crackdown extends to the realm of the internet, with Israeli ministers meeting with executives from both Google and Facebook, seeking to pressure the U.S.-based Internet giants to censor material deemed anti-Semitic for being critical of Israel.

The Government Press Office (GPO) wields significant influence in Israel, shaping what information is reported, how it is reported, and who can report it. Carrying a GPO card offers journalists access to official events, the scenes of newsworthy incidents, and protection from arrest while covering protests in Israel.

However, this influence is not without controversy. +972 Magazine, a publication, "reluctantly" agreed to cooperate with the demand for monitoring by the Israeli military censor, on advice of counsel and to obtain official designation as an approved media source. Yossi Gurvitz, a blogger, refused to cooperate, standing firm against the demand for prior approval for social media publication by Israeli Jewish bloggers and activists.

The Israeli military censor's new directives have been equated to Internet censorship in China by Hebrew University law professor Moshe Negbi. The censor demands prior approval for social media publication, a demand that has led to the arrest of several Palestinians under administrative detention, held without charge, access to attorney, or trial for publishing material on social media.

Israeli police have been accused of arresting the bureau chief of the Washington Post near Jerusalem's Damascus Gate under a false justification, claiming that an unnamed "passerby" witnessed him offering Palestinians money to stage a protest. The foreign ministry made a show of protesting the treatment of the Washington Post bureau chief, calling it "heavy-handed."

The Shin Bet arrests Palestinian non-journalists, even teenagers, for publishing material on social media. This trend of censorship spreads outward, infecting international debate on Israel-Palestine. Glenn Greenwald recently catalogued the legislation either passed or proposed in France, Germany, Britain, and the U.S. which would criminalize support of BDS. Israel plans to pass similar legislation which permit citizens or businesses to sue anyone who supports BDS.

Those institutions and values which characterize democratic societies like free press, free speech, academic freedom, and cultural expression are all under threat in Israel. This will drive the most educated, creative, and entrepreneurial individuals into the Diaspora, where they can express themselves more freely. Israel today is a nation in a rapid state of decline, with racist, ultra-nationalist forces reigning supreme.

Jonathan Omer Man, managing editor of 972, explained the muzzling effect that the Government Press Office has on the diversity of reporting in Israel. Israel seeks to force Israeli human rights NGOs seeking to lobby the Israeli Knesset on behalf of their mission to wear the equivalent of a Jewish star, a badge that would indicate they accept money from anti-Israel foreign governments and betray the state.

The plight of Palestinian reporter Mohammed al-Qeeq, who may be dead of a hunger strike due to his administrative detention without charge or trial by Israeli security forces, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of this crackdown on free speech and activism. As the situation in Israel continues to evolve, it remains crucial to safeguard the principles of a free and open society.