Censorship in Israel

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Israel has media censorship laws based on British emergency regulations from 1945 that apply to domestic media, foreign newspapers and wire service transmissions from or through Israel. The Israeli Film Ratings board rates, limits or bans films deemed obscene, racist, or containing incitement to violence ^[1]. Only a handful of films or plays have been banned outright (plays are no longer censored as of 1989). News censorship is the responsibility of the Israeli Military Censor. Regulations do not require all articles to be submitted for censorship prior to publication, but only those on a known list of sensitive subjects, such as nuclear weapons in Israel (for example, articles on the subjects of politics or economics may be published un-submitted). Failing to do so may cause the reporter to be cut off^[2] or, in the case of foreign reporters, be barred from the country.^[3]

The list of sensitive subjects, articles on which have to be submitted to censorship prior to publication, is determined within the framework of a censorship agreement between Israeli authorities and the 'Editor's Committee', which is a body of representatives from the Israeli media. "There will be no censorship on political issues, on expressions of opinion or assessments, unless they hint on classified information." ^[4]

Reporters Without Borders 2007 report on Israel states: "The country's journalists enjoy a freedom not found elsewhere in the region, but though 2006 was one of the safest years for them since the start of the second Intifada in 2000, many problems remain", mainly referring to the physical risks endured by reporters covering the conflict areas between Israel, the Palestinians and the Hizbullah in Lebanon.^[5]

The Israeli Military Censor has the power to prevent publication of certain news items. The censorship rules largely concern military issues such as not reporting if a missile hit or missed its target, troop movements, etc. but it is also empowered to control information about the oil industry and water supply.^[6]^[7] Journalists who bypass the military censor or publish items that were censored may be subject to criminal prosecution and jail time; the censor also has the authority to close newspapers. However, these extreme measures have been rarely used.^[8] One notable instance where a newspaper was closed temporarily was in the case of the Kav 300 affair where it was eventually discovered that the censor was used by the Shin Bet to cover up internal wrongdoings in the agency and led to one of the biggest public scandals in Israel during the 1980s and to a reassesment of the role and application of censorship in Israel.

Israeli laws also outlaw hate speech and "expressing support for illegal or terrorist organizations".^[7]

Mordechai Vanunu who served 18 years in prison for treason and espionage was released in 2004, but is still under restrictions on speech and movement.^[7] A BBC reporter was barred from the country after publishing an interview with him without handing it over to the censors first.^[3]

Every journalist working within Israel is required to be accredited by the Israeli Government Press Office. Most applications are just formal, but the office is allowed to deny applications based on political or security considerations.^[7]

One very commonly used way for Israeli media to circumvent censorship rules is to quote foreign news sources, which by virtue of being located outside of Israel are not subject to Israeli censorship.