Controversy surrounded questions on Israel’s democratic character this year following multiple news blackouts, confiscation of reporters’ materials, and the imprisonment of a critical journalist. While some of these procedures have been rationalized by citing security concerns, the real character of Israeli democracy emerges during the debate on these issues.
Dozens of Israeli newspaper and television reports this year discussed the media blackouts and occasional intimidation of the press by imprisonment or confiscation of documents.
Further, and equally as relevant, the Israeli political system has addressed the democracy issue with the introduction of legislation to end indefinite media blackouts and create a pathway for journalists to appeal restrictions in the courts.
The legislation has been met with some procedural and political hurdles, yet another sign that the mere introduction of the bill and debate on it is indicative of a vibrant democracy. A recent op-ed states:
“But whatever one’s position on these issues, the fact that they are being debated is not a sign that the end of democracy is near…
Criticism and debate are not signs of the weakness of democracy, but of its strength.”