The IDF and the Press during Hostilities

"Today’s world is smaller and more transparent than ever before. Events happening in one place reverberate across the globe. In today’s world distances have shrunk and a new set of norms has arisen. The exercise of power in this new world of ours is subject to two very serious and significant global forces: the law and the media."
Professor Arye Carmon, President of The Israel Democracy Institute

"The media plays a major role in shaping public consciousness, whether that of Palestinians, Israelis or the international community. In some ways, the struggle for consciousness is more important than the conflict on the battlefield."
Minister of Defense Shaul Mofaz, former Chief of Staff

"Is the yardstick a combat situation vs. a non-combat one? Whether or not the Israeli or foreign press is allowed into an area where shooting is going on is a question that the officers in the field should handle. That is the IDF's current policy. Might it be better to take the position that the front be opened to the press only after the battle?"
Brigadier General Ron Kitry, former IDF Spokesperson

"As a citizen who watches TV, I see too little of the dilemmas of the soldiers and officers in the field. It would be worthwhile allowing this to be portrayed because of the friction with civilians. Nothing garners more sympathy than moral considerations during hostilities. If you let the media into the field for 48 hours or 72 hours, the correspondents can witness the operational dilemmas and the actions taken in order to carry out the mission with the least possible damage.
Brigadier General Ruth Yaron, IDF Spokesperson