The Israeli government on Sunday approved a proposal to sever ties with Haaretz, citing comments made by its publisher, Amos Schocken, referring to Palestinian “freedom fighters,” reported the Middle East Eye.

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The decision, endorsed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, directs government-funded organizations to halt communications with Haaretz and withdraw advertisements from the newspaper. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi’s proposal also calls for canceling all state subscriptions and ceasing government advertising.

The move follows Schocken’s remarks at a London conference on Nov. 1, where he accused the Israeli government of enforcing “a cruel apartheid regime on the Palestinian population” and characterized some Palestinians as “freedom fighters.”

Schocken later clarified, distancing himself from Hamas and emphasizing support for nonviolent fighters.

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In a statement, Haaretz denounced the sanctions, calling the resolution “another step in Netanyahu’s journey to dismantle Israeli democracy.” The newspaper added that the attorney general’s office had not reviewed the proposal.

Karhi defended the boycott, stating it was necessary to combat what he described as a publication “legitimizing terror against Israel.”

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Haaretz has since issued an editorial disavowing its publisher’s comments, arguing Schocken’s clarification did not adequately condemn violence.

The government’s decision marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the Netanyahu administration and Haaretz, known for its critical stance on Israeli policies.

Read more at the Middle East Eye.