Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of carrying out "a planned, orchestrated attack" against the Israeli press during an "emergency" conference on freedom of expression in the Knesset State Control Committee.&nbsp;

He further stressed that the Israeli press is "under attack".&nbsp;

"In what country – in what type of country – does the prime minister speak in parliament against the basic idea of a free press? In what sort of country is criticism of the government – the most basic role of the media – labelled as treachery?,” he asked.&nbsp;

“Democracy must protect itself. The two basic qualities of a democracy – the qualities that differentiate it from every other type of regime – are its ability to critique itself and to improve itself. Both are impossible without a free press. Both are under attack," Lapid added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-bans-mosque-from-using-loudspeakers-to-broadcast-call-to-prayer-opposition-slams-new-policy-780876">Also read:&nbsp;Israel bans mosques from using loudspeakers to broadcast call to prayer, opposition slams decision</a>

Yesh Atid party, led by Yair Lapid, convened the conference&nbsp;called the "Media Freedom Conference" as there has been a rise in the number of moves by the Israeli government that could negatively affect the freedom of the press in the country.&nbsp;

They include&nbsp;bill proposals to privatise and commercialise Israel’s Public Broadcasting Corporation, known as Kan; a government decision to cut all advertising ties to the Haaretz newspaper; an attempt to alter the television rating measurement system; and more, The Jerusalem Post reported.&nbsp;

Lapid further said, “This government doesn't want balance, it wants media like in Hungary, like in Russia – restrained, frightened, submissive, shallow."

He said that these planned attacks come from the top. "Time after time, Netanyahu speaks from the Knesset podium to rail against the media."

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire: Israel Bombs Lebanon Amid Truce, Deadliest Strikes Since Ceasefire Began

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Since the government took power in 2022, Israel has fallen 15 spots in Reporters Without Borders' annual press freedom index. But, "that's not enough for this government. It wants us to drop further."

Lapid continued, "They tried to appoint a director-general at Channel 13 who would work for them…and the government voted unanimously to cancel all its advertising in Haaretz."&nbsp;

“If they can end government advertising in Haaretz because of political statements, do you really think they can’t halt advertising on Channel 12? If they can legislate against the public broadcaster, they can’t legislate against Channel 13? Is there anything in the behaviour of this government that makes you believe they’ll stop? That they have red lines?” he asked.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of carrying out "a planned, orchestrated attack" against the Israeli press during an "emergency" conference on freedom of expression in the Knesset State Control Committee.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of carrying out "a planned, orchestrated attack" against the Israeli press during an "emergency" conference on freedom of expression in the Knesset State Control Committee. He further stressed that the Israeli press is "under attack". "In what country – in what type of country – does the prime minister speak in parliament against the basic idea of a free press? In what sort of country is criticism of the government – the most basic role of the media – labelled as treachery?,” he asked. “Democracy must protect itself. The two basic qualities of a democracy – the qualities that differentiate it from every other type of regime – are its ability to critique itself and to improve itself. Both are impossible without a free press. Both are under attack," Lapid added. Also read: Israel bans mosques from using loudspeakers to broadcast call to prayer, opposition slams decision Yesh Atid party, led by Yair Lapid, convened the conference called the "Media Freedom Conference" as there has been a rise in the number of moves by the Israeli government that could negatively affect the freedom of the press in the country. They include bill proposals to privatise and commercialise Israel’s Public Broadcasting Corporation, known as Kan; a government decision to cut all advertising ties to the Haaretz newspaper; an attempt to alter the television rating measurement system; and more, The Jerusalem Post reported. Lapid further said, “This government doesn't want balance, it wants media like in Hungary, like in Russia – restrained, frightened, submissive, shallow." He said that these planned attacks come from the top. "Time after time, Netanyahu speaks from the Knesset podium to rail against the media." Watch | Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire: Israel Bombs Lebanon Amid Truce, Deadliest Strikes Since Ceasefire Began × Since the government took power in 2022, Israel has fallen 15 spots in Reporters Without Borders' annual press freedom index. But, "that's not enough for this government. It wants us to drop further." Lapid continued, "They tried to appoint a director-general at Channel 13 who would work for them…and the government voted unanimously to cancel all its advertising in Haaretz." “If they can end government advertising in Haaretz because of political statements, do you really think they can’t halt advertising on Channel 12? If they can legislate against the public broadcaster, they can’t legislate against Channel 13? Is there anything in the behaviour of this government that makes you believe they’ll stop? That they have red lines?” he asked. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Opposition leader Lapid says Netanyahu carrying out 'planned, orchestrated attack' against Israeli press

Israel launched an air strike against Gaza's Hamas rulers on Tuesday after militants in the strip fired a mortar round across the border, the army said. Witnesses in the coastal enclave told AFP that fire from an Israeli drone hit Hamas facilities east of Al-Bureij refugee camp.

Israel launched an air strike against Gaza's Hamas rulers on Tuesday after militants in the strip fired a mortar round across the border, the army said. Witnesses in the coastal enclave told AFP that fire from an Israeli drone hit Hamas facilities east of Al-Bureij refugee camp. No injuries were reported. "A short while ago a mortar shell was identified as having been fired from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory," an Israeli army statement said in English. "In response, an Israel Defence Forces aircraft targeted a Hamas military post in the northern Gaza Strip." Israeli media said the shell fell on open ground, causing no injuries or damage. Tuesday's events were the latest in a string of cross-border incidents which have raised concerns of further escalation before Israel's September 17 elections. On Monday Israeli warplanes hit what the military said were "terror targets in a Hamas military compound in the northern Gaza Strip, including the office of a Hamas battalion commander." Israel also announced it was slashing by half the fuel it pipes to the strip's main power station, meaning a cut to Gaza's already meagre electricity supply. The measures came after three rockets were fired from Gaza into southern Israel on Sunday night, according to the army, which said two of them were intercepted by air defence systems. Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008. August has seen rocket fire from Gaza, infiltration attempts by armed Palestinians and return fire by Israel, threatening a fragile ceasefire. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is fighting for reelection in the September polls, with political opponents calling for tougher action against Islamist movement Hamas.

Israeli aircraft strikes Gaza after Palestinian mortar fire

A confidant of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to provide testimony on behalf of the state about alleged corrupt dealings between the government and the country&#39;s biggest telecoms group, Israeli media reported on Wednesday.

Shlomo Filber, who was arrested this week along with top executives at Bezeq Telecom, had been a personal appointment of Netanyahu&#39;s to head the Communications Ministry.

Police now suspect Bezeq received regulatory benefits, and in return, Netanyahu received favourable media coverage on a popular news website that is also controlled by Bezeq&#39;s former chairman.

The Bezeq executives have denied the allegations.

Israel&#39;s Ynet news website reported that Filber has now agreed to testify for the state in the case, a development that could further complicate things for Netanyahu as he battles mounting corruption allegations.

Israeli authorities were not immediately available to confirm that a deal with Filber had been reached.

On Tuesday, police alleged that Netanyahu&#39;s former spokesman tried to bribe a judge to drop a fraud case against Netanyahu&#39;s wife. Netanyahu himself is suspect in two other investigations.

The right-wing leader, in office for 12 years since 1996, has denied wrongdoing in any of the cases, calling them a political &quot;witch hunt&quot;.

Shlomo Filber, who was arrested this week along with top executives at Bezeq Telecom, had been a personal appointment of Netanyahu's to head the Communications Ministry.

A confidant of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to provide testimony on behalf of the state about alleged corrupt dealings between the government and the country's biggest telecoms group, Israeli media reported on Wednesday. Shlomo Filber, who was arrested this week along with top executives at Bezeq Telecom, had been a personal appointment of Netanyahu's to head the Communications Ministry. Police now suspect Bezeq received regulatory benefits, and in return, Netanyahu received favourable media coverage on a popular news website that is also controlled by Bezeq's former chairman. The Bezeq executives have denied the allegations. Israel's Ynet news website reported that Filber has now agreed to testify for the state in the case, a development that could further complicate things for Netanyahu as he battles mounting corruption allegations. Israeli authorities were not immediately available to confirm that a deal with Filber had been reached. On Tuesday, police alleged that Netanyahu's former spokesman tried to bribe a judge to drop a fraud case against Netanyahu's wife. Netanyahu himself is suspect in two other investigations. The right-wing leader, in office for 12 years since 1996, has denied wrongdoing in any of the cases, calling them a political "witch hunt".

Confidant of Israel's Netanyahu turns state's witness in corruption case: Reports

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today he backed a bill limiting the volume of calls to prayer from mosques, a proposal government watchdogs have called a threat to religious freedom.

Netanyahu, who spoke as a ministerial committee was to discuss the draft bill later in the day, said he would support such a move that some have labelled unnecessarily divisive.

Israeli media reported that the bill would stop the use of public address systems for calls to prayer.

&quot;I cannot count the times -- they are simply too numerous -- that citizens have turned to me from all parts of Israeli society, from all religions, with complaints about the noise and suffering caused them by the excessive noise coming to them from the public address systems of houses of prayer,&quot; Netanyahu said at the start of a cabinet meeting.

While the draft bill applies to all houses of worship, it is seen as specifically targeting mosques.

Israel&#39;s population is roughly 17.5 per cent Arab, most of them Muslim, and they accuse the Jewish majority of badly discriminating against them.

East Jerusalem is also mainly Palestinian and traditional calls to prayer by muezzins through PA systems can be heard in the city.

The Israel Democracy Institute, a non-partisan think tank, has spoken out against the proposal.

Today, one of the watchdog&#39;s officials accused Israel&#39;s right-wing politicians of dangerously using the issue to gain political points under the guise of improving quality of life.

(AFP)

Israeli media reported that the bill would stop the use of public address systems for calls to prayer

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today he backed a bill limiting the volume of calls to prayer from mosques, a proposal government watchdogs have called a threat to religious freedom. Netanyahu, who spoke as a ministerial committee was to discuss the draft bill later in the day, said he would support such a move that some have labelled unnecessarily divisive. Israeli media reported that the bill would stop the use of public address systems for calls to prayer. "I cannot count the times -- they are simply too numerous -- that citizens have turned to me from all parts of Israeli society, from all religions, with complaints about the noise and suffering caused them by the excessive noise coming to them from the public address systems of houses of prayer," Netanyahu said at the start of a cabinet meeting. While the draft bill applies to all houses of worship, it is seen as specifically targeting mosques. Israel's population is roughly 17.5 per cent Arab, most of them Muslim, and they accuse the Jewish majority of badly discriminating against them. East Jerusalem is also mainly Palestinian and traditional calls to prayer by muezzins through PA systems can be heard in the city. The Israel Democracy Institute, a non-partisan think tank, has spoken out against the proposal. Today, one of the watchdog's officials accused Israel's right-wing politicians of dangerously using the issue to gain political points under the guise of improving quality of life. (AFP)

Israel PM backs bill to limit noise from mosques

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Opposition leader Lapid says Netanyahu carrying out 'planned, orchestrated attack' against Israeli press

Israeli aircraft strikes Gaza after Palestinian mortar fire

Confidant of Israel's Netanyahu turns state's witness in corruption case: Reports

Israel PM backs bill to limit noise from mosques