Journalists probed for travel to 'enemy' states

TEL AVIV — A top national security commentator, a popular blogger and a travel writer are under police investigation over reporting trips to Syria and Lebanon on behalf of their Israeli news outlets.

The police say the journalists broke a rarely enforced law banning travel to "enemy" states and may have compromised national security. Though visitors are not allowed entry to Lebanon or Syria with an Israeli passport, a handful of reporters with dual nationalities have from time to time gained entry using other passports.Mindful that they might be dragged into court after going through lengthy interrogations, the three reporters currently under investigation have reacted with disdain.

"I'm not concerned" about facing charges, said Ron Ben Yishai, a leading columnist and reporter for Israel's largest daily, Yediot Ahronot. More...