The Israel Police has canceled all institutional subscriptions to Haaretz, a move that has triggered legal action by the newspaper and instigated a heated debate over press freedom and the limits of authority within law enforcement.

The decision was made following an internal directive from a senior police official, including MK Itamar Ben-Gvir, to stop providing Haaretz to police units, stations, and libraries. Police representatives confirmed the cancellation and said it was connected to dissatisfaction with parts of the newspaper’s reporting and articles, however, they refused to point to specifics.

Following the cancellation, Haaretz filed a petition with the Attorney General asking for this order to be overturned. The newspaper argues that the police lack legal authority to block access to a media outlet based on editorial content, that the move crosses a line, and that Israel isn’t a “police state”.

Israeli media outlets said that this step is unusual and could set a precedent if left unturned. They noted that decisions about access to news sources within public institutions should be administrative, and not ideological or personal. They warn that selective cancellations could raise concerns about newspapers feeling pressure to give positive political coverage to specific people and parties. The Attorney General has not yet announced whether the order will be reviewed or reversed.