An Israeli political figure said Tuesday that violence against journalists is a 'red line that must not be crossed,' while accusing Channel 12 of causing damage to Israel and lacking integrity. The figure called for the perpetrators to be found and warned of a dangerous election period, also noting hypocrisy over attacks on Channel 14 journalists, according to a statement published on social media.
An unidentified Israeli political figure published a statement on social media Tuesday afternoon condemning violence against journalists while accusing Channel 12 of lacking integrity and causing damage to Israel. The figure described the attack on Channel 12's entrance as a "red line that must not be crossed," urged police to find the perpetrators, and warned of a dangerous election period. The figure also noted that similar outrage was absent when Channel 14 journalists were attacked, highlighting what they called hypocrisy.
The statement follows a series of reactions to the smashing of the glass entrance door at Channel 12's Tel Aviv offices, which occurred overnight. At 07:10 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that the door was smashed for the second time in weeks. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett responded at 09:33 Jerusalem, calling attempts to harm journalists a "red line" and demanding immediate police action. Later, at 12:55 Jerusalem, MK Ben Ari warned of unprecedented threats to the media during a Knesset plenum session. Earlier responses also came from Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas and Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Liberman, who condemned the attack and called for accountability.
The new statement adds a pointed critique of Channel 12's coverage, particularly its conduct toward IDF soldiers, as reported by the source. The figure's remarks reflect the deepening polarization in Israeli media, where attacks on journalists have become a flashpoint. The Zioneer has previously reported on the tense media environment, with left-wing channels accused of defeatist messaging and right-leaning Channel 14 gaining viewership.
The identity of the perpetrators who smashed the door remains unknown. The identity of the political figure who issued the statement was also not disclosed. Police have not yet announced any arrests.
10 developments
- DevelopingBennett: Attempt to harm journalists is a 'red line', demands immediate police action
- StrongPolice Commissioner Danny Levi: 'We will not allow harm to journalists' after attacks on Channel 12
- DevelopingJournalist Breiner warns: 'It's a matter of time until someone from News 12 is murdered'
- DevelopingHerzog's red line warning draws sharp rebuke from journalist Dana Varon
Source and signal
- Open-source intake