(JTA) — Israeli Government Confiscates and Returns Associated Press Equipment
The Israeli government recently confiscated equipment belonging to the Associated Press under a new law that was also used to close the offices of Al Jazeera. Shlomo Karhi, the communications minister, announced that the equipment used for broadcasting live shots of the Gaza Strip was returned after being confiscated earlier in the day.
Karhi stated that the decision was deferred to the Defense Ministry to assess if the news agency was endangering Israeli troops in the conflict with Hamas. The law used to confiscate the equipment was passed earlier this year and was also employed to shut down the local offices of Al Jazeera.
Israeli leaders argue that the law is necessary to combat organizations that support Hamas, while Al Jazeera and other press groups view it as a threat to press freedom and a sign of authoritarian repression in Israel. The confiscation of AP’s equipment sparked international backlash, with Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid calling it “madness.”
The Biden administration expressed concern over the confiscation, emphasizing the importance of journalists being able to do their jobs. AP defended its actions, stating that it complied with Israel’s military censorship rules and did not endanger soldiers with its live shot of the Gaza Strip.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to raise concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists reporting on the situation.