Israeli police detained two Turkish journalists in Tel Aviv on Tuesday while they filmed a live broadcast about the ongoing Iran war, according to Turkish officials and Israeli authorities. The incident occurred near the Israeli defence ministry compound, prompting a swift police response.
Burhanettin Duran, Turkey’s presidential communications chief, said in a post on X that CNN Turk reporter Emrah Cakmak and cameraman Halil Kahraman were taken into custody. He stated that authorities detained them while they were reporting live from the city.
Meanwhile, Israeli police said officers acted after receiving a report about two individuals equipped with cameras who were allegedly broadcasting live to a foreign media outlet while filming a sensitive location. A police unit arrived at the scene, halted the broadcast and began verifying their identities.
Turkey seeks release as press union condemns action
Police said the two men identified themselves as journalists but presented an expired press card. Authorities subsequently transferred them for questioning. In addition, police alleged that the pair filmed a security facility, an act that may violate Israeli regulations.
Under Israeli military censorship rules, media outlets cannot air live broadcasts during air raid sirens or reveal precise impact locations. Therefore, officials closely monitor coverage near strategic sites.
However, Duran said Turkey was making necessary efforts to secure the immediate release of the journalists and was closely monitoring developments. Furthermore, the Turkish Journalists’ Union criticized the detention, arguing that blocking reporters who inform the public constitutes a violation of press freedom. The union urged Israeli authorities to release the journalists without delay.
