Ethics Policy

"Upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity and professional ethics"

Our Ethical Commitment

Israel.com is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in journalism. This ethics policy serves as our cornerstone document, guiding every aspect of our news gathering, reporting, and publishing processes. We believe that ethical journalism is essential for maintaining public trust and serving the democratic process.

Our ethical framework is built upon internationally recognized journalism standards, including guidelines from the Society of Professional Journalists, the International Federation of Journalists, and best practices established by leading news organizations worldwide.

Core Principle

We are committed to truthful, accurate, fair, and comprehensive reporting that serves the public interest while respecting individual dignity and privacy rights.

Fundamental Ethical Principles

🎯 Truth & Accuracy

We strive for accuracy in all our reporting and seek the truth through diligent fact-checking and verification of sources.

⚖️ Fairness & Impartiality

We present all sides of a story fairly and avoid bias while maintaining editorial independence.

🔒 Independence

We maintain editorial independence from political, commercial, and other external influences.

📢 Accountability

We take responsibility for our reporting and maintain transparency about our editorial processes.

🛡️ Privacy & Dignity

We respect individual privacy and human dignity while pursuing stories in the public interest.

🌐 Transparency

We are transparent about our methods, sources (where appropriate), and any potential conflicts of interest.

Editorial Independence

Financial Independence

Israel.com maintains strict separation between editorial content and commercial interests. Our newsroom operates independently from advertising, marketing, and business operations to ensure that editorial decisions are made solely based on news value and public interest.

Political Independence

We do not endorse political candidates or parties. Our coverage of political matters is guided by journalistic principles of fairness, accuracy, and public interest, not by political affiliations or preferences.

Conflict of Interest Management

  • Disclosure: Staff members must disclose any potential conflicts of interest to editorial management
  • Recusal: Journalists with conflicts of interest are recused from relevant coverage
  • Transparency: When relevant, conflicts of interest are disclosed to readers
  • Financial Interests: Staff members may not trade securities of companies they cover

Accuracy & Verification Standards

Source Verification

Every story undergoes rigorous fact-checking before publication:

  • Multiple Sources: We seek confirmation from at least two independent sources for significant claims
  • Primary Sources: We prioritize primary sources and firsthand accounts when available
  • Document Verification: All documents are authenticated through appropriate channels
  • Expert Consultation: Complex topics are reviewed by subject matter experts

Correction Policy

Immediate Correction Process

When errors are identified, we correct them immediately and transparently. All corrections are clearly marked, explained, and preserved in our correction archive. We distinguish between minor corrections (typos, formatting) and substantial corrections that affect the meaning or accuracy of the story.

Source Protection & Confidentiality

Confidential Sources

We maintain strict confidentiality for sources who request anonymity, particularly when:

  • The source faces potential harm, retaliation, or legal consequences
  • The information serves a significant public interest
  • The information cannot be obtained through other means
  • The source is credible and the information can be verified

Anonymous Source Guidelines

  • Senior Editor Approval: Use of anonymous sources requires senior editor approval
  • Context Provision: We provide readers with as much context as possible about why anonymity was granted
  • Legal Compliance: We comply with applicable laws while protecting source confidentiality
  • Record Keeping: Senior editors maintain confidential records of anonymous sources

Digital Age Ethics

Social Media Standards

Our journalists maintain professional standards across all digital platforms:

  • Professional Conduct: Social media activity reflects Israel.com's professional standards
  • Source Verification: Information shared on social media is subject to the same verification standards
  • Breaking News: Speed does not compromise accuracy in digital reporting
  • Engagement: Professional and respectful interaction with audiences online

Privacy in the Digital Age

Digital Privacy Protection

We respect digital privacy rights and use technology responsibly. This includes careful consideration of social media posts, digital footprints, and online information when reporting on private individuals.

Sensitive Coverage Guidelines

Security & Military Reporting

Given our focus on Israel and Middle East coverage, we maintain specific guidelines for security-related reporting:

  • Operational Security: We do not report information that could compromise ongoing operations
  • Troop Safety: Personnel safety takes precedence over reporting speed
  • Government Consultation: When appropriate, we consult with security officials about potential risks
  • Public Interest Balance: We balance transparency with legitimate security concerns

Crisis and Emergency Reporting

  • Victim Privacy: Respectful treatment of victims and their families
  • Accurate Information: Careful verification during rapidly developing situations
  • Community Sensitivity: Awareness of reporting impact on affected communities
  • Resource Allocation: Appropriate deployment of reporting resources during emergencies

Accountability & Enforcement

Internal Review Process

Israel.com maintains robust internal accountability mechanisms:

  • Editorial Review: All content undergoes editorial review before publication
  • Ethics Committee: Senior staff committee reviews ethical concerns and policy violations
  • Regular Training: Ongoing ethics training for all editorial staff
  • Policy Updates: Regular review and updating of ethical guidelines

Ethics Violation Response

Ethics violations are addressed through a structured process including investigation, corrective action, and when necessary, disciplinary measures. Serious violations may result in suspension or termination of employment.

Reader Engagement & Feedback

Complaint Process

We welcome reader feedback and maintain a formal complaint process:

  • Accessible Channels: Multiple ways for readers to contact our editorial team
  • Timely Response: All complaints receive timely acknowledgment and response
  • Fair Investigation: Thorough and impartial investigation of valid concerns
  • Transparency: Clear communication about investigation outcomes

Community Standards

We maintain community standards for reader engagement while fostering open dialogue and diverse perspectives on our digital platforms.

Ethics Concerns & Questions

Have an ethics concern, question about our standards, or want to report a potential violation? We're committed to transparency and accountability.

⚖️ Ethics Committee 📋 Editorial Standards 🔍 Reader Advocate

Our Ongoing Commitment

This ethics policy is a living document that evolves with changing media landscapes, technological advances, and societal expectations. We are committed to regularly reviewing and updating our ethical standards to ensure they remain relevant and effective.

Israel.com's commitment to ethical journalism is not just about following rules—it's about honoring the trust our readers place in us every day. We believe that ethical journalism is essential for democracy, informed citizenship, and social progress.

Continuous Improvement

We continuously strive to improve our ethical standards through staff training, industry best practice adoption, reader feedback integration, and regular policy review and updates.