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February 19, 2025 – Israel –
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) removed two senior journalists from the Israel Broadcasting Corporation (KAN), Michael Shemesh and Suleiman Maswadeh, from its official WhatsApp group used for disseminating press updates. This action followed their reporting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had reprimanded his spokesman, Omer Dostri, over his conduct during a sensitive diplomatic period.
The Union of Journalists in Israel (UJI) swiftly condemned the move, stating, “It is inconceivable for a public servant to deliberately sabotage the media’s work and prevent access to information from journalists.” The UJI emphasized that the WhatsApp group is a public resource, and its use should not be subject to personal discretion.
Both journalists publicly criticized Dostri’s decision. Maswadeh accused Dostri of treating the PMO’s communication channels as personal property, describing the removal as a “thug’s move.” Shemesh highlighted that the action contravened legal instructions affirming the public nature of the WhatsApp group.
This incident has sparked a broader debate about press freedom and government transparency in Israel. Critics argue that restricting journalists’ access to official information channels undermines democratic principles and the public’s right to be informed. The PMO has not issued a formal response to the backlash.
The situation underscores the ongoing tensions between the Israeli government and the media, raising concerns about the potential erosion of press freedoms in the country.
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