Negotiating with the Israeli government and various stakeholders for over a year, AP secured exclusive access to an operation into clearing unexploded munitions in the Mediterranean Sea.
In early 2025, Israel reporter Sam Mednick heard about a nascent effort by the Israeli government preparing to clear unexploded sea munitions and thus increase the country’s beach space. For the next few months, Mednick negotiated with the research team, Israel’s Ministry of Defense, and those in charge of the dive, to let AP cover the story — negotiating access to the boat and, most importantly, to allow AP journalists to film underwater. It was extremely challenging to arrange and gain the permission of everyone involved, and also to ensure that AP had exclusive access. Coordinating a day to go on the boat was also a challenge, especially as wars ensued with Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and twice with Iran, presenting potential risks for divers. Dives were scheduled multiple times and then canceled.
Finally, after more than a year, Mednick and photographer Ariel Schalit were able to accompany the team on a dive in late June, producing an exclusive and visual story unmatched by other news organizations.
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