“Gideon Levy Wins 2026 Press Emblem Campaign Award for Critical War Reporting”

An example of critical journalism in times of war

Geneva, September 17, 2026 (PEC) The 2026 Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) Award was presented Thursday to Israeli journalist Gideon Levy, a member of the editorial board of the daily newspaper Haaretz. The Geneva-based NGO sought to recognize his independence and critical analysis during the dramatic period Israel has been experiencing since October 7, 2023.
The Prize for the Protection of Journalists has been awarded annually since 2009 by the PEC to an individual or organization that has distinguished itself in the defense of press freedom in contexts of armed violence.
Gideon Levy was born on June 2, 1953, in Tel Aviv. He has denounced Israeli policy regarding Gaza and the West Bank, taking significant personal risks—both for himself and for the editorial staff of Haaretz. His weekly column on the activities of the Israeli military, titled “Twilight Zone” (meaning “gray zone”), is an example of critical journalism in times of war. In Israel, he is regularly criticized by opponents who accuse him of supporting the Palestinians.
“By awarding him the PEC Prize, we want to show that it is possible, even in a country at war, to take a critical stance and defend fundamental principles of press freedom such as independence, impartiality, and transparency. Gideon Levy’s courageous struggle is exemplary in this regard,” said PEC President Blaise Lempen at the award ceremony.
Independently documenting the conduct of military operations is essential for subsequently shedding light on violations of international humanitarian law and combating impunity.
In 2024, the PEC awarded its annual prize to Palestinian journalist Iyad Alasttal, a journalist from Gaza who sought refuge in France. Independent of Hamas, he continues to document the suffering of the Palestinian people. “We felt it was all the more necessary to honor an Israeli journalist given that Israel is just a few weeks away from elections that will be decisive for its future,” emphasized Blaise Lempen.
“We hope that Israelis and Palestinians will achieve peaceful coexistence by turning their backs on extremists on all sides. Thank you, therefore, to Gideon Levy for giving a voice to moderation and reconciliation in Israel and around the world,” concluded Blaise Lempen.
Gideon Levy is in Geneva to participate in a conference and a discussion with writer Metin Arditi at La Maison de la Paix, at the invitation of the Swiss Press Club, the Institute of Arab and Mediterranean Cultures (ICAM), the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID) and Metin Arditi.
The PEC Award will be presented to Gideon Levy on the occasion of his lecture at the Maison de la Paix in Geneva this Thursday at 6:30 p.m.