The rules of Journalistic Ethics in Israel

People abroad might think that there is no freedom of press in Israel and that media outlets can only publish what is allowed by the government. However, this is not actually the case. In Israel, journalists have the freedom to publish any kind of news, as long as they respect journalistic ethics.

When discussing media accountability, we refer to the mechanisms that ensure journalists and media outlets remain responsible for what they publish.

This is not about government control - Israel, like other democracies, protects press freedom.

Instead, media accountability is about how the public and journalistic institutions hold the press responsible for ethical and accurate reporting.

In Israel, three main institutions deal with this process: legal accountability, self-regulation, and social accountability.

It is extremely important to remind that professional ethics is enforced by the Israeli Press Council and, additionally, military censorship plays a crucial role in media reporting, especially during times of war.

Two men reading a newspaper in Tel Aviv.

Legal accountability: the rules of defamation

One of the main forms of accountability in Israel's media landscape is legal, specifically concerning defamation laws. A journalist or media outlet can only be legally held accountable for defamation if their reporting meets four key criteria:

1. A false statement – the information published must be untrue.

2. Publication or communication of the false statement – the statement must be shared publicly.

3. Negligence or intent – the journalist must have known (or should have known) that the statement was false and published it anyway.

4. Proven damage – the subject of the false claim must demonstrate that the publication caused harm.

For example, if a newspaper falsely accuses a business of fraud, the company could sue for defamation. However, they must prove not only that the claim was false but also that it caused reputational or financial harm. Without evidence of damage, even an incorrect report does not automatically constitute defamation under Israeli law.

Self-regulation: the Role of Media Councils

Another form of accountability is self-regulation. Israeli media outlets voluntarily come together to create ethical guidelines and enforce them through professional organizations. One of the most significant of these is the Israeli Press Council - a voluntary body where media organizations agree to follow a set of professional ethics.

This self-regulation helps maintain journalistic integrity while allowing competition among outlets. A key example of self-regulation in action occurred during the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza. When Israeli hostages were rescued in a military operation, media outlets delayed reporting the event until they received official confirmation from the IDF. This was done to ensure the operation’s success and avoid endangering the lives of soldiers and hostages.

Similarly, Israeli media outlets follow an ethical rule that prevents them from publishing the names of fallen soldiers before the military formally notifies their families.

This principle aligns with the ethical rules of the Israeli Press Council, which states that journalists should avoid publishing sensitive information that could harm individuals or families. While participation in the council is voluntary, members are expected to hold each other accountable.

Military Censorship: a unique form of media regulation

In addition to self-regulation, Israel also has a system of military censorship, which plays a crucial role, particularly during times of war. The Israeli Military Censor operates under laws that allow the government to restrict the publication of information that could compromise national security. However, this system does not serve as broad government censorship - rather, it focuses on preventing the release of details that could put soldiers, operations, or intelligence efforts at risk.

Israeli media outlets are required to submit sensitive reports to the Military Censor before publication. If the Censor determines that the content could harm national security, it can demand changes or prevent its release. However, censorship is limited to security-related matters. Political opinions and general news reporting are not subject to this control.

What happens when journalists violate ethics?

If a journalist or media outlet violates the ethical code, complaints can be filed with the Israeli Press Council. The complaint must include details of the violation, and if deemed legitimate, the council can initiate a disciplinary process. The possible consequences include:

1. A warning – a first-time offense may result in a caution.

2. Public condemnation – the council can issue a public statement declaring the violation, which can damage a journalist's reputation.

3. Forced apologies – the journalist or media outlet may be required to publish a correction or apology.

4. Suspension from the council – the most severe penalty is exclusion from the council, which can negatively impact a journalist’s career.

It’s important to note that the council does not have legal power - it cannot impose fines or force compliance. Furthermore, since membership is voluntary, not all media outlets in Israel are part of the council. However, for those that are, maintaining ethical standards is crucial to credibility.

Conclusion

Journalistic ethics in Israel are shaped by a balance of legal accountability, voluntary self-regulation, military censorship, and professional ethical guidelines. While the government does not control the press, media outlets and journalists operate within these frameworks to ensure responsible reporting. Whether through defamation laws, professional self-regulation, ethical oversight by the Press Council, or military censorship, these mechanisms help maintain journalistic integrity while preserving press freedom.