Israeli army officials say they are planning to use the Facebook social networking site in order to alert and inform the Israeli public during future conflicts.

The idea is to immediately alert people of possible threats, including missile strikes.

An Israel Defense Forces' home front command population department official confirmed the report to the Ha'aretz newspaper, although a final decision has not yet been made over using the widely popular website.

While television and radio have been the common channels of communication to the public, the official said that Facebook was filling a growing segment of mass communication.

The command deals with some 400 calls monthly to its information center, as well as about another 100 more via its website, according to the report.

Facebook and the Israeli military were both in the news recently when a discharged soldier posted photos of herself during her service, alongside blindfolded and handcuffed Palestinian detainees, causing a public uproar and military censure.