IDF CENSORSHIP GUIDELINES

Blogmaster’s Comments on Censorship: Many uninitiated readers are angered by vague and shallow descriptions of the results of rocket attacks against Israeli civilians and towns, as well as the results of a strike against IDF bases and positions. Readers must realize that the enemy views, listens to, and reads all news reports generated by such attacks and can use this information to cause their strikes to be more accurate and successful. Pinpointed and exact locations of rocket hits only serve to help the terrorists achieve more accurate targeting and can cause the loss of Israeli lives. The IDF Censorship Guidelines below are common sense. Loose tongues also cost lives. Remember that Cell Phones are radio transmitters and that anything you say could easily be intercepted by Hamas with only an inexpensive receiver. Be careful when you discuss sensitive information that could help the enemy, be it on the telephone or in a restaurant. Remember that the enemy is listening.

CENSORSHIP GUIDELINES - REPORTING THE LOCATION OF ROCKET HITS
4 March 2008

Background:

Recently, we have witnessed an increase in the number of missiles being
fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel. The missiles themselves are more
accurate and are equipped with stronger, more destructive warheads.

This document emphasizes the censorship guidelines to the media and the
press on the reporting of rocket hits:

Following are the main censorship guidelines:

1. Real-time reports on the exact locations of rocket hits are strictly
prohibited.

Reports, on delayed-time, of exact locations must always be approved by
the IDF Censor.

2. The IDF Censor will not authorize reports of rocket hits at IDF bases
and/or strategic installations.

3. The IDF Censor will not authorize reporting on rockets that fell into the
Mediterranean Sea.

4. The IDF Censor will not authorize photographs of rockets with identifying
marks.

5. The IDF Censor will not authorize reports regarding visits by senior
Israel Government officials and IDF officer in southern Israel.

6. The IDF Censor will not authorize information on exploded terrorist
ordinance or any other malfunctioning ordinance.

7. Panoramic, wide-angle, etc. photographs of rocket hits are strictly
prohibited.

Please ensure that all staff members are aware of the foregoing.

The foregoing does not obviate the obligation to submit to the IDF Censor -
prior to publication - of any news item regarding rocket hits or any other
subject that must be approved by the IDF Censor.

Sincerely,
Col. Sima Vaknin-Gil
Chief Censor to Press and Media