Knesset Constitution Committee Chairman Simcha Rothman accuses Israeli media of amplifying Hamas propaganda by broadcasting hostage videos, warning it plays directly into the terror group’s psychological warfare.
Jerusalem — The debate over how Israel should handle Hamas-released hostage footage erupted on Monday, as MK Simcha Rothman, Chairman of the Knesset Constitution Committee, delivered a blistering critique of the Israeli media’s decision to air the videos.
Speaking with journalist Yaakov Ilon on the Knesset Channel, Rothman questioned the very premise of broadcasting such material.
“Yaakov, I’m asking you — did you suddenly realize there are hostages in Gaza only because this video was released? Did you think they were being treated well? We already know the reality. That’s why we’ve been fighting for nearly two years,” he challenged.
Rothman accused mainstream outlets of becoming “unwitting partners in Hamas’s psychological warfare.”
“The absurdity is that propaganda channels show these videos and then, willingly or unwillingly, join Hamas’s starvation campaign. They echo distortions and help spread Hamas’s narrative,” he said.
He warned that every time such videos are broadcast, Hamas gains a victory in the information war, manipulating emotions and public discourse.
“If someone wants to be part of Hamas’s campaign, that’s their choice. But our mission is clear: free the hostages, destroy Hamas, win the war, and ensure Gaza is permanently demilitarized,” Rothman declared.
Referencing conversations with hostage families, Rothman said many believe airing the videos does more harm than good.
“This is Hamas propaganda, plain and simple. If you’ve changed your mind and decided to broadcast it now, explain to the public what changed since the early days of the war — and why you are now helping spread Hamas’s message,” he concluded.
Rothman’s remarks add fuel to the growing national conversation over the balance between freedom of the press and responsibility during wartime, particularly in the face of calculated terrorist propaganda.
