Fact Check: Israel controls the media

Fact-Check: "Israel controls the media"

What We Know

The claim that "Israel controls the media" can be examined through various aspects of media operations and censorship in the country.

Censorship Practices: Israel has a formal censorship regime managed by the Israeli Military Censor, which reviews and can suppress articles that may affect national security. On average, around 2,240 press articles are censored each year, with a significant number being fully or partially redacted. This includes articles that require prior approval before publication, particularly those concerning sensitive security issues.
Control Over Journalists: During conflicts, such as the recent Gaza war, Israel has imposed strict controls on international journalists. Reports indicate that journalists were required to have military escorts and submit their footage for review before broadcasting. This was confirmed by prominent media organizations like NBC and CNN, which noted that Israel retained authority over the content being reported from Gaza.
Media Coverage Disparities: There is a noted disparity in the portrayal of narratives in media coverage. Research conducted during the Gaza conflict revealed that pro-Palestinian posts significantly outnumbered pro-Israeli ones on social media platforms, indicating a complex media landscape where narratives are contested. For instance, during October 2023, there were 109.61 billion pro-Palestinian posts compared to 7.39 billion pro-Israeli posts on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
International Media Restrictions: Israel has taken steps to restrict certain media outlets, such as closing the offices of Al Jazeera and revoking press credentials for journalists deemed to be biased against Israel. This has raised concerns about the freedom of the press and the diversity of opinions available to the public.

Analysis

The evidence suggests that while Israel does exert significant control over the media, particularly in times of conflict, the claim that it "controls the media" requires nuance.

Censorship as a Tool: The Israeli Military Censor's role in suppressing information indicates a systematic approach to controlling the narrative surrounding national security issues. This can lead to a lack of transparency and a perception that the media is not free. However, the existence of independent media outlets and various international journalists operating in Israel complicates the notion of total control.
Diverse Perspectives: The media landscape is not monolithic. While there are restrictions, there are also numerous platforms and voices that challenge the dominant narratives. The significant engagement with pro-Palestinian content on social media suggests that alternative viewpoints are gaining traction, despite the challenges posed by censorship.
Source Reliability: The sources cited provide a mix of perspectives, from academic articles to news reports. While some sources, like Reporters Without Borders, highlight the issues of censorship and bias, others, such as The Times of Israel, may present a more government-aligned viewpoint. This variability in source reliability necessitates a careful consideration of the context in which claims are made.

Conclusion

The claim that "Israel controls the media" is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence of censorship and control over journalists, particularly during conflicts, the media landscape is complex and includes a variety of voices and narratives. The existence of significant pro-Palestinian content on social media and the activities of independent journalists indicate that while control exists, it is not absolute.