Foreign Ministry 'marks' hostile reporters
Ministry guide says not all Jewish journalists abroad are pro-Israeli, calls on diplomats to "push" ministry's agenda by all means necessary
JERUSALEM - The Foreign Ministry is calling on ministry employees to compile a list of "hostile" news reporters, in the framework of a new guidebook for diplomats .
The guide, a composite of professional terms and instructions pertaining to local and international media, took nearly two years to complete.
"Form a list of hostile elements who appear in the media, rank them according to importance, public exposure, and estimates of damage they cause us," the guidebook advises.
In this regard, the guide warns employees in the ministry's consulates and embassies abroad that not all Jewish journalists are necessarily pro-Israeli.
"Do not take them for granted," the document says.
"Usually they will agree to meet with you, but they will not say 'amen' to everything you say. Often times you will discover they are on the opposition's side, with a divided soul but a good heart."
'Guide will turn us into more professional ministry'
The guidebook also details how ministry employees should act during diplomatic crises.
"During crisis you will find yourself generating good and bad news," it says. "Utilize this relative advantage to 'push' our agreed upon position by all means possible."
Foreign Ministry Director-General Ron Prosor said the idea for the guide stemmed from the realization that the ministry has accumulated plenty of professional knowledge.
"Generations of spokespersons go abroad and return, and most of this knowledge is lost," he said. "This guidebook will turn us into a more professional ministry in the communications field."
