Full Breakdown
Attacks on Israeli News Outlets Prompt Calls for Investigation
7/12/2026, 8:12:24 AM
Violent Incidents at Haaretz and Channel 12
In the early hours of Wednesday, July 8 2026, a masked individual threw two bricks at the glass entrance of Haaretz’s Tel Aviv headquarters, shattering the door before fleeing. Security footage captured the second brick breaking the glass after the first failed to do so. The newspaper filed a police complaint and announced heightened security measures. The attack follows a similar vandalism on Sunday, when a masked person smashed the glass entrance of Channel 12’s Tel Aviv studios with a stone. Police have begun examining both incidents, though a formal complaint for the Channel 12 case has not yet been filed.
Background and Political Climate
The assaults occur amid heightened public discourse and campaigns by right-wing activists and government officials criticizing the coverage of certain news companies. A month earlier, threatening graffiti was sprayed near Channel 12’s offices, and the network described itself as “shocked, but not surprised by the violence.” The pattern of targeting media outlets has been linked by commentators to an atmosphere of incitement against journalists.
Official Responses
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urged Israeli authorities to conduct a swift, thorough investigation and to safeguard journalists. Haaretz pledged to continue its “professional and public mission to practice free and independent journalism” while increasing security. Channel 12 called on police to identify the perpetrators promptly. Member of Knesset Naama Lazimi condemned the government for fostering an environment that enables “civil terror” against the press.
Criticism and Opposition
MK Lazimi’s statement framed the attacks as a product of “the regime’s machine of poison and incitement,” urging voters to reject the current leadership. Channel 12 welfare reporter Michal Peylan posted on X/Twitter, questioning how “dangerous it is to live in a country where the government… will not say a word today about the insane violence against journalists.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “These attacks are deeply troubling and appear to be intended to intimidate journalists and media organizations,” — Sara Qudah, CPJ Regional Director
- “a direct attempt to intimidate journalists and media workers.” — Aluf Benn, Haaretz Editor-in-Chief
- “We are in the midst of civil terror fueled by the government against Israeli democracy.” — Naama Lazimi, MK
- “shocked, but not surprised by the violence,” — Channel 12 spokesperson (as reported)
