Israel extends law allowing censorship of foreign media considered “dangerous” by the country

• Context: Gaza war and military information control challenge journalism in Israel
• Learn more about: Netanyahu government advances bill that provides political oversight over investigations into October 7 attack

The law was originally limited to the state of emergency declared at the start of the war, triggered by the Hamas attack on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023. However, on December 1, the Knesset – as the country’s legislative assembly is called – voted to end this state of emergency.

The recently approved amendment means the law will remain in effect for another two years.

According to a statement released by the Knesset on Tuesday, the amendment “allows, under a temporary provision valid until December 31, 2027, to restrict restrictions on foreign media that threaten national security.”

Under the law, if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu determines that a foreign media outlet poses a threat to national security, the Communications Ministry can order it to cease transfers.

• Chakra Guga: Why is Israel banning foreign journalists from entering Gaza?

The ministry is also authorized to close the facilities of sanctioned media outlets, confiscate their broadcasting equipment and block their websites, according to the draft law published by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

The law requires the prime minister to consult law enforcement agencies, including the police, before issuing a ban, even if only assent is required.

Press freedom in Israel has deteriorated since the start of the conflict in Gaza, losing 11 places in the 2025 world press freedom rankings of the Reporters Without Borders organization, falling from 101st to 112th place among 180 countries assessed in 2024.