22-5-2024 (JERUSALEM) In a startling move that sparked widespread condemnation, the Israeli authorities confiscated camera equipment belonging to the esteemed Associated Press news agency on Tuesday (May 21). However, faced with a torrent of criticism from media organisations and even a rebuke from its staunch ally, the United States, the Israeli government swiftly reversed its decision.
The dramatic turn of events unfolded when Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi issued a statement declaring that he had instructed officials to cancel the initial order and return the confiscated equipment to the Associated Press. Karhi cited the Ministry of Defence’s desire to further scrutinise the issue as the impetus behind his decision.
Earlier that day, the Israeli Communications Ministry had accused the Associated Press of violating the law by providing a live broadcast to Al Jazeera, a news outlet that had been placed under a temporary ban earlier this month. The ministry alleged that Al Jazeera posed a threat to national security, justifying the ban.
At the heart of the controversy was the AP’s live feed showcasing a view into Gaza from the Israeli town of Sderot. The agency stated that it had been ordered to shut down this feed, not due to its content but rather what it termed “an abusive use by the Israeli government of the country’s new foreign broadcaster law”.
Lauren Easton, an AP spokesperson, vehemently denounced the actions of the Israeli government, declaring, “The Associated Press decries in the strongest terms the actions of the Israeli government to shut down our longstanding live feed showing a view into Gaza and seize AP equipment.”
The recently enacted media law, passed in April, grants the government the authority to order foreign broadcasters to temporarily cease operations on the grounds of national security.
The White House, which has supported Israel in the ongoing conflict, expressed concern over the incident, asserting that journalists possess the right to carry out their professional duties. Media rights groups, including Reporters Without Borders, vehemently condemned the move, labelling it “outrageous censorship”.
This incident marks the latest in a series of tense confrontations between media organisations and the Israeli government since the outbreak of the war in Gaza last year.
The Associated Press maintained that it had adhered to military censorship regulations, which prohibit the broadcast of sensitive information, such as troop movements, that could endanger soldiers. The agency clarified that the live feed had generally depicted smoke rising over Gaza.
Reuters, like the AP, also provides a live feed from positions around Gaza to clients worldwide, including Al Jazeera.
When Israel closed Al Jazeera’s operations in May, the news outlet denounced the accusation that it posed a threat to Israeli security as a “dangerous and ridiculous lie”. Al Jazeera did not immediately comment on the AP incident on Tuesday.
Spokespeople for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
