Violence against media outlets and journalists has become commonplace. Politicians on both the right and the left routinely declare their intention to shut down news organizations, and just last month the Knesset passed legislation that will dramatically affect Israel’s media landscape. These developments pose a twofold threat to a free press: outright silencing and the self-censorship of media organizations and journalists. Unless this trend is stopped, Israel will become a “democracy” in name only.

A free press is the lifeblood of democracy at all times, but especially during elections. Without it, the government cannot be held to account, nor can alternatives to its policies be presented. Although freedom of expression is clearly recognized as a protected fundamental value in Israel, that protection still rests on Supreme Court precedent. It has yet to be enshrined in the Basic Laws – Israel’s de facto, albeit problematic, constitutional structure. This leaves the free press inherently vulnerable. And the situation is getting........

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