Limited War Coverage: How Israel Censors Media Amid Iran Attacks

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Despite numerous video clips circulating on social media, major international media outlets rarely publish images of damage in Israel resulting from Iranian attacks. This is due to strict media censorship enforced by the Israeli government.

These censorship rules are outlined in long-standing guidelines for journalists operating in Israel. The government has the authority to select foreign journalists and media organizations deemed acceptable to report from within its borders.

One of the media outlets affected is Al Jazeera. During the Iran-Israel conflict, the Qatari outlet was barred from entering Israel and could only report from Jordan.

This week, Al Jazeera reported that Israel has introduced additional restrictions for journalists covering the war. A circular issued on Wednesday by Brigadier General Kobi Mandelblit, head of the Israeli Military Censor, outlined new rules for what media organizations and journalists are allowed to publish regarding the impact of Iran’s attacks.

What Is the Legal Basis for Censorship in Israel?

The legal basis for censorship in Israel is older than the country itself. The restrictions on media freedom in the region were first established by the British during their mandate for Palestine in 1945, before being incorporated into Israeli law after the country was established three years later.

Restrictions on press freedom in Israel extend beyond limitations on reporting. Data from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) shows that at least 164 journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, with additional fatalities reported in Lebanon, the occupied West Bank, and most recently, Iran.

Who Has Been Affected by Censorship?

Since May 2024, Israel has banned Al Jazeera from reporting inside the country. In November, the liberal Israeli daily Haaretz was sanctioned for publishing reports viewed as critical.

What Are the New Rules for Reporting on the Iran Conflict?

Under the new regulations, journalists face tighter controls on how they report the aftermath of Iranian attacks.

The censor prohibits:

• Recording or broadcasting images from impact sites, especially near military areas

• Using drones or wide-angle shots to show affected zones

• Specifying locations near security installations

• Broadcasting footage of Israeli missile launches or Iranian missile interceptions

Media outlets are also banned from publishing videos from social media without prior approval from the censor. Authorities warn that such videos may include "fake news created by the enemy."

The new rules took immediate effect. On Tuesday morning, photographers in Haifa were arrested while setting up cameras to capture potential strikes in the port.

What Previous Restrictions Have Existed?

Journalists must submit articles related to Israeli security for censor review prior to publication. The censor has the authority to block publication if a report is likely to cause real harm to national security.

However, censorship cannot be enforced solely because an article may damage the image of the Israeli military or government.

In 2023, these restrictions were strengthened with amendments to Israel’s anti-terrorism law. The revised law penalizes individuals who "regularly consume terrorist content" or broadcast direct incitements to terrorism.

Before the new Iran-related rules, definitions of “security matters” were already broad, including military activities, intelligence operations, arms deals, and foreign affairs.

Censored decisions can be appealed to the Israeli Supreme Court.

How Often Does Censorship Occur in Israel?

Quite frequently. In May, the Israel-Palestine magazine +972 reported what it described as “an unprecedented surge in media censorship” since the Gaza war began. The publication stated that in 2024 alone, the Israeli military censor fully blocked 1,635 articles and partially restricted another 6,265.

This amounts to an average of 21 censorship interventions per day, more than double the daily peak of 10 during the 2014 Gaza war (Operation Protective Edge), and over three times the typical peacetime average of 6.2.

Making matters worse, current regulations bar media outlets from disclosing whether any part of a story has been censored, leaving readers unable to discern what information is missing.

How Does Israeli Press Freedom Compare Globally?

According to the World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF), Israel is currently ranked 112th out of 180 countries in terms of press freedom. They are below Haiti, Guinea Bissau, South Sudan, and Chad.

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