Israel
DECEMBER 9, 2025
Israel downgraded in global ratings report on civic freedoms
- Country downgraded from “Obstructed” to “Repressed”
- Authorities escalate violent crackdown on protests and civic freedoms
- Government pushes sweeping laws to silence dissent and human rights work
The CIVICUS Monitor announced in a new report on Tuesday that it has downgraded Israel’s civic space rating to “Repressed” after authorities intensified attacks on fundamental freedoms. This alarming change reflects the Israeli authorities drive to restrict the activities of civil society, undermine democratic institutions and crush popular protests against government actions.
The People Power Under Attack 2025 report shows Israel sliding into one of the world’s most restrictive environments for civil society following violent repression of protests, systematic targeting of Palestinian citizens, and legislative proposals that threaten human rights work inside and outside Israel.
Authorities unleash brutal force on nationwide protests
Security forces beat protesters, dragged them by their hair, and smashed mobile phones to block documentation during demonstrations demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. People across Israel staged peaceful protests, but authorities responded with disproportionate and escalating violence.
State targets Palestinian citizens of Israel
Officials arrested Palestinian citizens for social media posts and deport them under the 2023 amendment to the Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law. Palestinian women, including Maisa Abd Elhadi and Intisar Hijazi, faced harassment and prosecution for online expression.
Government drives legislative assault on civic freedoms
The Knesset introduced bills that would severely restrict civil society and human rights work, including the NGO Taxation Bill, International Criminal Court Cooperation Bill, INGO Registration Bill, Denial of Entry for Support of International Accountability, and the Computer Data Intrusion Law. Authorities banned the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating in Israel, violating the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.
Israel escalates atrocities in Gaza
The downgrade also comes amid Israel’s genocide in Gaza, which has killed nearly 70,000 civilians since 2023, and left two million people facing systematic starvation due to severe restrictions on humanitarian aid. Israeli forces killed and detained journalists and humanitarian workers, bombed homes and civilian infrastructure, and blocked humanitarian aid to engineer systematic starvation of two million people. Authorities arbitrarily arrested, tortured, and disappeared Palestinians from Gaza. In June, Israel intercepted the Madleen, a Freedom Flotilla Coalition vessel bound for Gaza, and deported or detained 12 activists and journalists, including Greta Thunberg.
Global context and call to action
The CIVICUS Monitor downgraded Israel’s score to 39/100, moving it from “Obstructed” to “Repressed.” A “Repressed” rating means civic space is severely constrained. Israel now joins 50 countries worldwide in this category, alongside Turkey, Kenya, and Mexico. Fourteen other countries also faced downgrades this year, including the USA, France, and Argentina.
The CIVICUS Monitor calls on Israel to stop criminalising peaceful protesters, repeal restrictive laws, protect journalists and activists, and uphold international human rights obligations.
Notes to the Editor
The CIVICUS Monitor is a global research platform that assesses the state of civic freedoms—including freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly—across 198 countries and territories. Drawing on verified reports of civic space violations from a network of 20+ research partners worldwide, the Monitor tracks incidents including protests, censorship, the detention of activists and more. Each country is assigned a score from 0 to 100, reflecting the openness of its civic space, with higher scores indicating greater respect for civic freedoms. Based on these scores, countries are classified into five categories: Open, Narrowed, Obstructed, Repressed, or Closed.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: media@civicus.org