**Israeli Cabinet Moves to Sanction Haaretz Amidst Media Clampdown**

The Israeli Cabinet unanimously sanctioned Haaretz, the country's oldest newspaper, on Sunday due to its critical reports on the Israel-Hamas war. This decision has stirred significant backlash from press-freedom advocates who argue that it represents a wider governmental effort to suppress dissenting voices regarding the conflict in Gaza.

The directive, proposed by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, instructs all government employees and those of state-owned companies to cease all forms of communication with Haaretz. Additionally, it mandates the cessation of government advertising and subscription purchases from the newspaper. Haaretz responded against the measure in a post on X, declaring it a part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's broader strategy to erode Israeli democracy.

This latest move is seen as a continuation of attempts by Netanyahu's administration to stifle media outlets that are critical of its wartime actions. Observers have noted similar tactics employed by other world leaders, such as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has effectively marginalized critical media by controlling government advertising funds.

In related news, negotiations brokered by a senior U.S. official have led to an agreed ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, aimed at ending the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. The prolonged fighting has resulted in over 3,500 Lebanese fatalities and more than 15,000 injuries, with the ceasefire offering a pathway for displaced civilians to begin returning home.