Story perspectives

Assailant Smashes Channel 12 Tel Aviv Doors, Demands Apology

7/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

An assailant smashed Channel 12’s glass entrance doors in Tel Aviv on 28 July 2026 at 1:12 a.m., leaving a note demanding an apology over the Sde Teiman affair and warning someone will die.
Israel Police opened a probe after Commissioner Daniel Levy ordered the Tel Aviv commander to locate perpetrator.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called the attack a red line while President Isaac Herzog demanded swift justice.
Chairman Yair Golan blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for inciting violence against the press.

History

Historical Context

Israel created the self-regulatory Press Council in 1975 after a wave of attacks on journalists, empowering it to fine offenders up to 50,000 shekels. Ongoing media consolidation, periodic military censorship and a 2023 Freedom House downgrade (ranked 112 in the 2025 Press Freedom Index) keep press freedom fragile. The recent Channel 12 door-smashing, condemned by Daniel Levy, Naftali Bennett and Isaac Herzog, echoes the Council’s original deterrent aim.

1 of 2

Story summary

An assailant smashed Channel 12’s glass entrance doors in Tel Aviv on 28 July 2026 at 1:12 a.m., leaving a note demanding an apology over the Sde Teiman affair and warning someone will die.
Israel Police opened a probe after Commissioner Daniel Levy ordered the Tel Aviv commander to locate perpetrator.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called the attack a red line while President Isaac Herzog demanded swift justice.
Chairman Yair Golan blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for inciting violence against the press.

1 / 2