Israeli Journalist Gideon Levy Awarded 2026 PEC Prize

• Israeli journalist Gideon Levy, a board member at Haaretz, has been awarded the 2026 Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) Prize.
• The Geneva-based organization presents the award annually to individuals defending press freedom in conflict-ridden environments.
• Levy is recognized for his independent reporting and critical analysis of Israeli military activities since October 7, 2023.

Journalistic Impact

• Through his long-running column, "Twilight Zone," Levy has consistently investigated and reported on military conduct in Gaza and the West Bank.
• He has faced significant personal and professional backlash in Israel, where critics often label him a supporter of Palestinians.
• PEC president Blaise Lempen noted that awarding Levy demonstrates that it is possible to maintain impartiality and transparency even while a country is at war.

Context and Background

• The PEC was founded in 2004 to strengthen journalist safety during armed conflicts, including operations in Iraq, Syria, and Ukraine.
• The committee chose to honor an Israeli journalist at this time to emphasize the potential for peaceful coexistence ahead of upcoming national elections.
• Recent previous recipients include Iyad Alasttal (2024), who documented conditions from Gaza, and Kurdish journalist Perihan Kaya (2025).