Complaint
In a report on an attack by Israel on Iran, reference was made to Israel having “launched this warâ€.  A viewer complained there was no mention of “all the provocations and terrorism, against Israel†including “Iran’s constant threats to wipe Israel from the face of the earthâ€. The ECU considered whether the report met the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½â€™s standards of impartiality set out in the Editorial Guidelines. Â
Outcome
In the ECU’s view it was clear that the reference to Israel starting the war was intended to contrast the difference in response to the attacks on Iran at the UN and in Israel.  No mention of blame was made and insofar as the piece was limited to an account of this incident, it was correct to say that Israel had launched the attacks.  There was no requirement for an additional account of the history of antagonism between Israel and Iran to be included for due impartiality to be maintained.
Not Upheld