Terms of service [updated]

YouTube has removed the 10-second IDF video of the pinpoint strike on Hamas terrorist commander Ahmed Jabari yesterday. The IDF had posted the video in its excellent Twitter feed providing real time information and updates on its ongoing operation.

The video was posted here. According to YouTube, the video violates its terms of service. YouTube’s terms of service are posted here; YouTube’s community guidelines are posted here. In place of the video one now finds this.

For the moment, at least, the video can still be seen here and I’m sure elsewhere in the YouTube universe. I’m also posting the video below.

Israel finds itself subject to continuing attack by maniacal murderers. One of the most important weapons at its disposal is accurate information. The video at issue perfectly illustrated Israel’s efforts to strike at terrorist forces while sparing the civilians in which the terrorists willfully embed themselves.

I’m not sure what is happening with respect to the removal of the IDF video. My concerns may be misplaced. I invite readers more knowledgeable than I to weigh in, but it seems to me that Google is doing a serious disservice to the cause of freedom and humanity.

UPDATE: Michael Goldfarb writes to advise that YouTube has restored the video. You can click on the link to the IDF video above in order to access it. Foreign Policy’s Uri Friedman has much more here.

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