Editorial Guidelines

Core Editorial Principles

1. Accuracy and Truth

We prioritize factual accuracy above all else. Every article undergoes rigorous fact-checking before publication. We verify information through multiple reliable sources and clearly distinguish between verified facts and allegations.

2. Independence and Objectivity

Israel.com maintains editorial independence from political parties, government entities, and commercial interests. We strive for balanced reporting that presents multiple perspectives on complex issues.

3. Transparency

We are transparent about our sources, methodologies, and any potential conflicts of interest. When sources must remain anonymous for their safety, we clearly indicate this to our readers.

Sourcing and Attribution Standards

Source Verification

We maintain strict standards for source verification:

• Official Sources: Government statements, military communications, and official press releases are verified through official channels
• Expert Commentary: We identify experts by their credentials and relevant experience
• Eyewitness Accounts: First-hand accounts are corroborated with additional evidence when possible
• Anonymous Sources: Used only when necessary for source protection, with editorial oversight

Attribution Requirements

All information is clearly attributed to its source. We distinguish between:

• Direct quotes and paraphrased statements
• Confirmed information and unverified claims
• Primary sources and secondary reporting

Corrections and Updates Policy

Error Correction Process

When errors are identified, we act swiftly to correct them:

1. Immediate Correction: Factual errors are corrected immediately upon discovery
2. Clear Notation: All corrections are clearly marked with the date and time of the update
3. Transparency: Significant corrections include an explanation of the error
4. Preservation: Original versions are preserved for transparency

Content Standards

Language and Tone

Our reporting maintains a professional, objective tone. We avoid inflammatory language and ensure our coverage is accessible to a global English-speaking audience.

Sensitive Content Guidelines

When covering sensitive topics such as casualties, violence, or political tensions:

• We exercise editorial judgment in describing graphic details
• We provide appropriate context for complex regional issues
• We respect the dignity of individuals affected by news events
• We include relevant background information for international readers

Photo and Video Standards

Visual content adheres to the same ethical standards as written content. We verify the authenticity of images and videos, provide accurate captions, and respect privacy concerns.

Editorial Independence

Conflict of Interest Policy

Our journalists and editors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest. We maintain clear separation between editorial content and any commercial or political interests.

Advertising Separation

Editorial content is completely separate from advertising content. Sponsored content is clearly labeled as such and adheres to the same accuracy standards as editorial content.

Compliance and Standards

Israel.com adheres to international journalism standards and is committed to compliance with:

• Google News Publisher Guidelines
• International Federation of Journalists Code of Ethics
• Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics
• Israeli Press Council Standards

These guidelines are reviewed regularly and updated to reflect evolving best practices in digital journalism.