Israel Will Return Seized Associated Press Equipment After Criticism—Amid Escalating Media War

Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi ordered the return of equipment to the Associated Press until the issue is “re-examined,” after Israel ignited free press concerns by seizing AP equipment and shutting down a live feed of Gaza, alleging the newswire service provided images to Al Jazeera, which is banned in Israel due to a new media law.

In a post on X, Karhi maintained the media equipment was used to disclose the location of troops in northern Gaza and created a security risk by sharing that information with Al Jazeera “despite repeated warnings.”

Karhi added the Ministry of Defense had asked to “re-examine” the issue of broadcasts and potential risks to soldiers, so the Communications Ministry ordered the return of AP equipment “at this stage” until it gets an opinion on the security situation.