The Israel Broadcasting Authority (I.B.A.), which oversees broadcasting in the country and operates several radio networks, has banned a commercial by leftwing activists for being too controversial. The proposed advertisement criticizes the government policy of not allowing several Gaza students out of the area.
"The spot was not approved for broadcast in the format the advertiser requested because it contains a controversial political message," Israel Broadcasting Authority spokeswoman Linda Bar said in a statement. The I.B.A. frequently has banned commercials by right-wing nationalists and recently rejected a request to air a commercial critical of the expulsion of Jewish residents of the Gaza and northern Samaria region three years ago.