Communications Minister Ayoob Kara apologized Saturday for what he says were misinterpreted comments warning that broadcasting "fake news" warrants capital punishment.
Kara, speaking at a Likud party retreat held Friday at the resort city of Eilat, said that "all those bringing fake news are bringing upon themselves a death sentence."
It was not clear who or what exactly Kaya was referring to in his remarks, stating only that the Likud party "will continue the reform in the media and roll back regulations."
He later apologized on Twitter, saying he was speaking figuratively. He stressed that his comments had been misconstrued, saying he only meant that spreading fake news would lead to the demise of broadcasters or publications he believed engaged in such activity.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also lashed out at media over the past year, dismissing some coverage of investigations into corruption allegations surrounding him as "fake news."
