Israel has implemented stringent restrictions on video coverage by news organizations at the sites of Iranian missile attacks, marking a significant shift in its media policy.
This new directive, announced by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, mandates that any footage—whether live or recorded—must first receive explicit approval from the Israel Police, the Government Press Office (GPO), and the military censor, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
GPO Director Nitzan Chen emphasized that under the newly enforced zero-tolerance measures, any broadcasting from missile-struck areas is now subject to stringent oversight by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) censor.
This policy comes in the wake of missile attacks in Beersheba, Holon, and Ramat Gan, where footage reportedly aired on Al Jazeera. The Jerusalem Post noted that the new regulations also target CNN and The New York Times, indicating a broader scope of media control.
Despite some photographers claiming affiliation with various outlets, Israeli officials maintained that regardless of the source, footage was effectively utilized by Al Jazeera.
On Tuesday, the Israeli police took the extraordinary step of confiscating photographic equipment from journalists in Haifa, underscoring the seriousness of the enforcement.
Al Jazeera recently broadcast a missile strike on an Israeli oil refinery, a move that Israeli media outlets were prohibited from replicating.
In a joint statement, Ben Gvir and Karhi remarked, “Following a successful crackdown on unauthorized broadcasts that jeopardize state security, we are instituting a new policy: All foreign journalists wishing to report from Israel during wartime must secure specific written approval from the military censor, not just for the broadcast but for the exact location as well.”
Opposition leader Yair Lapid was quick to criticize the sweeping censorship measures, arguing that they are unenforceable in an age where individuals carry smartphones equipped with cameras. He suggested that such restrictions undermine the global support for Israel’s current military operations.
However, Ben Gvir countered that broadcasts revealing missile impact locations could pose security risks, asserting, “Anyone who disseminates such information is effectively endangering the state’s security.” This perspective frames the media as a potential weapon in the ongoing conflict.
Ben Gvir’s office later clarified that the situation in Haifa was resolved in favor of the media, confirming that the journalists involved were not affiliated with Al Jazeera or Al Mayadeen, but rather other foreign news outlets that did not face a blanket ban as long as they adhered to censorship regulations.
He reiterated a stance of “zero tolerance” for any expressions of support for Iranian attacks, stating, “Supporting Iran equates to supporting terrorism, and those who do so should be held accountable.”
This article was originally published by The Western Journal.
