Police apologize for arresting WaPo reporters

The Israel Police apologize for the detention of Washington Post bureau chief William Booth and a colleague.

The police say in a statement that the incident has been investigated, and conclude that the “questioning was necessary in light of the information” police received, even though the tip-off turned out to be false.

“If any of the detainees endured emotional distress, we are sorry for that,” a police spokesperson says.

The police are instructed to allow journalists to work in sensitive and dangerous areas “with an emphasis on public safety and securing the journalists themselves, while respecting the important value of the freedom of the press,” a police statement says.