Tel Aviv ; Israeli journalist Israel Frey, a vocal critic of the war in Gaza, has been detained following a social media post on X in which he praised the deaths of five Israeli soldiers. An Israeli court on Thursday extended his detention, citing charges of incitement and support for terrorism , reported the Arabic News.
Frey’s post stated that “the world is a better place” following the fatal blast that killed the soldiers in northern Gaza during a confrontation with Hamas operatives. He described the soldiers’ deaths as a form of “justice in the context of crimes against humanity” and urged Israeli mothers not to send their sons to fight .
The journalist has previously faced legal action. In March, he was interrogated under suspicion of inciting terrorism due to pro-Palestinian comments. In late 2022, he also faced questioning after appearing to justify attacks on Israeli security personnel .
During Thursday’s hearings at Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court, the judge criticized Frey’s remarks as offensive to public sensibilities, questioning how the deaths of soldiers defending Israel could be celebrated. Bail was denied due to concerns that Frey may interfere with ongoing investigations .
Media watchdogs—including the Committee to Protect Journalists—have condemned Frey’s arrest, describing it as part of a broader pattern of shrinking press freedom in Israel amid the Gaza war. They have demanded his immediate release, along with other journalists detained under similar charges .
