Israeli journalist detained for social media post hailing soldiers’ deaths in Gaza

An Israeli journalist, known for being a vocal critic of the ongoing war in Gaza, will remain in jail after an Israeli court extended his detention over a post on X in which he praised the killing of Israeli soldiers who died in an explosion during a clash with Hamas.

Journalist Israel Frey has been detained over a post on social media platform X in which he stated that the world was a better place following the deaths of five Israeli soldiers in Gaza, and the authorities have charged him with incitement and support for terrorism, Arab News reported.

Frey, known for his outspoken criticism of the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza, has frequently posted commentary defending Palestinians and condemning what he describes as Israeli war crimes, and his latest remarks have led to renewed scrutiny by law enforcement.

The journalist, who is currently held in Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court, referred in his post to five Israeli soldiers killed earlier this week in northern Gaza by an explosive device during a clash with Hamas, and described their deaths as justice in the context of what he claimed to be crimes against humanity.

He further expressed that the suffering endured by Palestinian civilians—such as children facing medical procedures without anaesthesia and families trapped under bombardment—was not alleviated by the soldiers’ deaths, and he called on Israeli mothers to prevent their sons from participating in the war.

Frey has previously faced police investigations over similar statements, having been interrogated in March on suspicion of inciting terrorism through a series of pro-Palestinian posts that described attacks against soldiers and settlers as acts of resistance rather than terrorism.

In late 2022, he was also questioned over posts in which he appeared to justify attacks on Israeli security forces and praised a Palestinian who was allegedly preparing to carry out an attack, and far-right groups have long targeted him.

Following the outbreak of the current conflict in October 2023, Frey went into hiding after a right-wing mob attacked his home in response to his expressions of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, and he has continued to make public statements rejecting what he sees as Israeli aggression.

During Thursday’s court proceedings, the judge described Frey’s comments as offensive to public sensibilities and questioned how the deaths of soldiers defending the country could be regarded positively, while also denying bail and citing ongoing investigative concerns.

Media watchdogs and press freedom organisations have condemned his detention, stating that it reflects an increasing intolerance for dissent and freedom of expression within Israel since the beginning of the war, and they have called for the release of Frey along with all other detained Palestinian journalists.