Israel denies “taz” correspondent a work visa

Israel has refused the correspondent of the “tageszeitung” (“taz”), Serena Bilanceri, a work visa – and has also banned the journalist from entering the country, as the editorial team announced.

“We see this as a significant infringement on freedom of the press,” wrote the “taz”. The government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is thus abandoning the foundation of the democratic rule of law. No reason was initially given for the decision.

Several Israeli media also reported on the case. Accordingly, it is about the journalist's reports and comments about settler violence in the West Bank and the situation in the Gaza Strip, in which she accused Israel of "apartheid" and called for measures against the country. The Jerusalem Post quoted the Director General of the Diaspora Ministry, Avi Cohen Scali, as saying: "Anti-Israel actors and those who slander Israel should not set foot in the country." He also reportedly said: "We will not tolerate calls for a boycott of Israel under the guise of professional journalism."

According to the "taz" editor-in-chief, Bilanceri never called for a boycott of the State of Israel. "It is unacceptable that the Israeli government uses legitimate criticism of Israel's actions in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, which has also been made by the EU, as a reason to restrict press freedom."

According to the information, the journalist, who has been the official correspondent for Israel and the Palestinian territories for “taz” since June, has already had problems entering and leaving Israel in the past. Last year, her laptop was examined for explosives and returned destroyed. “She is currently in Jordan, from where she was refused re-entry into Israel,” the “taz” continued.