Security agencies blast news networks for turning ‘pursuit of terrorist into reality show’

In a joint statement, the Israel Police, Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet security agency issue a harsh letter to media outlets following coverage of last night’s terror attack in Tel Aviv.

“Some media outlets turned the pursuit of the terrorist into a reality show, without censorship or self-criticism,” the statement reads.

Following the deadly attack, reporters from some television outlets tagged along with police officers and soldiers during a manhunt on the streets of the city.

“The media broadcast what was happening live, the footage of the pursuit of the despicable terrorist was broadcast without any filters, to every home in Israel, and unfortunately also to the enemy,” the statement says.

It accuses the TV outlets of exposing the faces of soldiers in special units, their methods of operation, weapons and equipment.

The statement also says officials see a “worrying” rise in the sharing of “unfounded information, some of which is entirely false.”

It adds that the various security bodies will also work to improve their conduct at scenes of security incidents. “This is our duty,” the statement says.