I don't understand why the IDF has an interest in sharing secrets with the military correspondents. Why should they be exposed to information they cannot publish?

Or, maybe from a larger perspective, what would be an "ideal" relationship with the media, from the military's point of view?

Should this discussion also refer to the role of disinformation in the military sphere?

From the military's side, it is indeed important to let the journalist feel that he is given inside information, that he is important, so that he may feel more favourable to you when he reports about you.

From the journalist's side, it is important to get the whole picture, so that you may make better general judgements, even though you are not allowed to disclose the details - that is why they will take "off the record" information.

If I was mistaken, it is due to a lecture given by Hanan Crystal, in which he explained "off the record" in the way you explain "deep background."

And since this is the State of Israel, your problem with using the local definition is?...

Hmm... I think that I shall revert to not using any terminology from fields, with which I am unfamiliar. Which would include Journalism.

A possible compromise:

Weaknesses should be exposed by the media, so that they can be corrected as soon as possible - especially when the security forces initially deny their significance.

On the other side, points of strength should be kept secret. It is better for the public to think that we are weak than to assume we are strong.

A possible exception to this rule is during an actual state of war, when complete secrecy is mandatory.