The government told the High Court of Justice on Monday that it remains too dangerous to allow journalists to enter the Gaza Strip without military accompaniment, maintaining a position it has repeatedly presented since the start of the Israel-Hamas War.
The stance was submitted in response to a long-standing petition filed in September 2024 by the Foreign Press Association (FPA), joined by Israeli and international press freedom organizations, seeking to permit journalists to enter Gaza independently.
The state’s latest filing follows months of delay and mirrors arguments it previously advanced in June 2025, when it said the issue was not one of discrimination between foreign and Israeli journalists, but of safety concerns that precluded independent entry altogether.
In its updated response, the state acknowledged that the war has entered what it described as a “different factual phase,” following the October agreements and a reduction in the intensity of fighting.
Nevertheless, it argued that the security situation inside Gaza remains volatile and that allowing journalists to enter without military escort would pose unacceptable risks – both to the journalists themselves and to ongoing military activity.
“The position... is that even at this time, characterized by continued security threats and incidents, there is no basis to allow the entry of journalists – Israeli or foreign – into the Gaza Strip without accompaniment,” the state wrote, citing assessments by the defense establishment.
FPA Gaza petition: Israel defends military escort rule
The petitioners argue that Israel, as the authority controlling entry and exit from Gaza, is effectively preventing independent journalistic coverage of a major conflict zone. They contend that embedding journalists exclusively with the IDF severely restricts reporting and undermines press freedom, particularly given the scale of destruction and humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
The state rejected that framing, noting that journalists have been allowed to enter Gaza throughout the war under military escort and that such access has continued in recent months.
According to figures provided by the state, some 25 escorted entries by Israeli journalists and five group entries by foreign journalists have taken place since late October, involving dozens of reporters operating under coordination with the IDF.
The High Court has previously sided with the state on the matter. In January 2024, it rejected an earlier petition on similar grounds, ruling that there is no vested right to enter Gaza and that the court would not intervene in security policy during active hostilities. However, the court left the door open for renewed review should circumstances materially change.
At a hearing held on October 26, the court noted the state’s representation that it intended to reassess its policy in light of changed conditions on the ground and instructed it to submit an updated position within 30 days.
While the state reiterated its intention to examine the issue, it ultimately concluded that the security risks remain too high to justify lifting the escort requirement.
The state also referenced broader strategic considerations, including the continued presence of the remains of hostage Ran Gvili in Gaza, and the risk that independent civilian movement could interfere with military operations.
Following the submission of the state’s position, the court is expected to issue further instructions regarding the continuation of the proceedings.