French Journalist Unions Sue Government Over Israel Work Permit Rules

Two major journalist unions have filed a legal complaint against the French government. They argue that new rules requiring them to obtain Israeli work permits to report from Palestinian territories restrict press freedom. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and France's National Union of Journalists (SNJ) brought the case. Their lawyers state this is the first legal action of its kind in a French national court. The complaint focuses on a requirement from France's Centre for Media Training (CFPJ). The center says journalists it sends to the West Bank must have Israeli-issued press credentials. The unions call this rule a serious barrier. They say it forces journalists to seek permission from Israeli authorities to work in areas not under Israeli sovereignty. This, they argue, undermines the independence of the press and limits coverage of Palestinian issues. A hearing on the case is expected later this year.