- Officers prevent journalists from filming at a medical centre hit by an Iranian missile on Thursday and demand equipment be handed over
- The move was reportedly the result of directives issued by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
- Amid growing concerns about restrictions on reporting, press freedom advocates accuse Israeli authorities of censorship
LONDON: Israeli police have reportedly prevented journalists from filming inside the Soroka Medical Centre in Beersheba, which was hit by an Iranian missile strike on Thursday.
Officers reportedly cited security concerns as the reason, as footage from the scene showed “precise locations” and was broadcast by Al Jazeera, a media outlet banned in Israel since May 2024 over its coverage of the Gaza war.
The Times of Israel reported that police confronted one cameraman on hospital grounds and demanded he hand over his equipment. The journalist reportedly refused, telling officers: “They see you on CNN, they see you on the BBC, they see you all over the world, so calm down for a second.”
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the attack that damaged the hospital, saying nearby Israeli military and intelligence facilities were targeted. The Israeli military denied having any facilities in the area. Footage authenticated by BBC Verify showed the medical complex being hit directly.
Israeli police confirmed on Thursday that they had ordered a halt to foreign media coverage of Soroka and other affected areas for national security reasons. They added that they were actively searching for media workers filming at the sites.
“Israeli police units were sent to stop broadcasts, including news agencies through which Al Jazeera was broadcasting illegal programs,” police said.
During a visit to the hospital grounds on Thursday, Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said: “There was an incident this morning in Tel Aviv with the confiscation of equipment. There is a clear policy: Al Jazeera is endangering state security.”
The crackdown on the media comes amid growing concerns among press freedom advocates. Several journalists and other industry professionals have reported government obstruction, including confiscation of equipment. Many accuse Israeli officials of censorship. This follows the political directives of far-right Minister Ben-Gvir, in coordination with Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, to “maintain the safety and security of citizens.”
Sources close to Ben-Gvir said he had instructed Israel's Shin Bet security agency and police to step up measures against any foreign media or civilians suspected of celebrating Iranian missile attacks.
“We will have zero tolerance for expressions of joy over attacks on Israel,” Ben-Gvir said this week.
Tensions in the region have risen sharply since coordinated Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities began on June 13. Tehran responded with missile strikes on Israeli targets, some of which hit civilian buildings.
Following a visit to the Soroka hospital grounds on Thursday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz further escalated his rhetoric, saying Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “can no longer be allowed to exist.”
Iranian authorities say at least 639 people have been killed and 1,329 wounded since fighting began a week ago. The death toll in Israel stands at 24, according to Israeli officials.
