Gilad Shalit
Gilad ShalitIsrael news photo: Flash 90

The Shalit family, which used the media to lead the campaign to free their son Gilad in exchange for 1,027 terrorists, now wants the media to stay away.

The IDF spokesman published an agreement with all news networks on Monday to protect the privacy of First Sgt. Gilad Shalit as he returns to Israel and to his family.

The purpose of the agreement is to come to a mutual understanding of fair media coverage rules, applicable once Shalit returns from more than five years in captivity.

The agreement stresses that it does not wish "to detract from the freedom of the press in any way. Its only purpose is to balance this right with the right of First Sgt. Shalit and his family for privacy. This privacy is crucial for their recovery as a family and for the recovery and health of First Sgt. Shalit."

The agreement was written by the IDF Spokesperson in coordination with the Head Medical Officer responsible for First Sgt. Shalit's health. The agreement was approved by the Shalit family, the Israel Press Council and the Tel Aviv Journalism Association.

Most Israeli news networks already signed off on the agreement as well.