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. A reporter is expected to hand over his or her article to the Israeli Military Censor prior to publication. Failing to do so may cause the reporter to be cut off^[1] or, in the case of foreign reporters, be barred from the country.^[2]

The Israeli Military Censor has the power to prevent publication of certain news items. Journalists who bypass the military censor or publish items that were censored may be subject to criminal prosecution and jail time.^[3] The 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.^[4]^[5]

Israeli laws also outlaw hate speech and "expressing support for illegal or terrorist organizations".^[5]

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.^[5] A BBC reporter was barred from the country after publishing an interview with him without handing it over to the censors first.^[2]

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.^[5]

Since 1967 Israel prohibited the display of the Palestinian flag and national colours. After the signing of the Oslo Peace Accords in 1993, the ban ended.^[6]