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Iran Launches Hebrew TV Network in Sweeping Media Strategy
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has approved a far-reaching national policy framework that includes the establishment of a new international television network broadcasting in Hebrew. The initiative, ratified by the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution and formally enacted by Pezeshkian as the council’s chairman, aims to counter what Iranian officials characterize as “Zionist propaganda.”
State media reports indicate that the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) has been tasked with establishing and operating the Hebrew-language channel as part of a comprehensive package of cultural, social, scientific, and technological measures designed to bolster national unity and expand Iran’s media influence abroad.
According to IRNA news agency, these policies were finalized during the council’s 920th session on August 26 before being signed into effect. The directive outlines specific responsibilities for various government entities, including the Ministries of Culture, Education, Health, and the Judiciary, alongside IRIB and religious institutions.
The move represents a significant expansion of Iran’s media strategy in the ongoing information war with Israel. Tehran has previously attempted to reach Hebrew-speaking audiences, most notably through a website launched by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency in 2022, but the television network marks a substantial escalation in these efforts.
“This is consistent with Iran’s broader strategy of expanding its soft power projection capabilities,” said Dr. Sanam Vakil, deputy director of the Middle East North Africa program at Chatham House, in an interview with regional analysts. “The timing, coming after the recent exchange of hostilities with Israel, suggests Tehran is looking to diversify its messaging channels.”
The broader policy framework extends beyond media initiatives. Government bodies are mandated to promote public morale, provide support to families affected by regional conflicts, and present a coherent national narrative across all media platforms. IRIB specifically has been instructed to feature more expert analysis and cultural commentary framing national events, including the recent 12-day conflict with Israel, which Iranian officials have characterized as a demonstration of their deterrence capabilities and national solidarity.
The plan also calls for coordinated communication strategies to prevent contradictory narratives, particularly around symbolically significant occasions such as Quds Day and the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution that established the current Iranian regime.
In the technological sphere, the directive pushes for increased investment in cutting-edge fields including artificial intelligence, aerospace, and cybersecurity—areas where Iran has sought self-sufficiency amid international sanctions.
Digital governance features prominently in the framework, with the National Cyberspace Center directed to work alongside judicial authorities to monitor and address online activities deemed detrimental to national morale. The judiciary has been tasked with drafting a “media annex” that will define specific penalties for espionage and treason-related offenses in the media space.
Media analysts note that Iran’s state broadcasting already operates several foreign-language channels, including Press TV in English and Al-Alam in Arabic, which have served as platforms for projecting Iranian narratives to international audiences.
The new Hebrew-language network appears positioned to target not only Israelis but potentially Hebrew-speaking communities worldwide, expanding Iran’s messaging reach in what has become an increasingly complex information landscape across the Middle East.
The timing of this announcement follows months of heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, particularly after Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, and direct exchanges of fire between the two regional powers in April and October.
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11 Comments
This feels like another flashpoint in the longstanding tensions between Iran and Israel. I’m curious to see how Israel and the international community respond to Iran’s move to expand its media influence in this way.
From a strategic perspective, I can understand Iran’s desire to counter perceived Israeli propaganda. However, state-controlled media often lacks the credibility and objectivity that viewers deserve. I hope this new channel can still provide some balanced reporting.
The launch of a Hebrew-language TV network by Iran is a significant geopolitical move that is likely to further inflame tensions in the region. It will be important to closely monitor the content and messaging of this new channel to ensure it does not become a vehicle for disinformation and propaganda.
While freedom of the press and media diversity are important, this move by Iran raises concerns about its potential to spread propaganda and misleading information. I’ll be interested to see how this plays out diplomatically.
While I respect Iran’s desire to counter what it sees as biased media coverage, this new TV network raises questions about its potential for propaganda and misinformation. Transparency and objectivity should be the priorities for any news outlet, regardless of its national affiliation.
This is a concerning development, as it seems to be part of a broader effort by Iran to exert greater control over the flow of information and counter outside influence. I hope the international community closely monitors the content and messaging of this new TV network.
This move by Iran seems like a concerning escalation in the propaganda war between Iran and Israel. Launching a Hebrew-language TV network could be seen as an attempt to spread misinformation and counter Israel’s media influence.
This is a complex and sensitive issue, as both Iran and Israel have their own narratives and grievances when it comes to media coverage. I hope this new TV network can find a way to provide balanced and factual reporting, rather than just pushing a pro-Iranian agenda.
It’s understandable that Iran wants to have a voice in the media landscape, but launching a state-run Hebrew TV channel seems like a provocative move that could further escalate tensions with Israel. I’ll be curious to see how this unfolds.
While I understand Iran’s perspective of wanting to counter what they see as Zionist propaganda, launching a state-run media channel in Hebrew raises questions about its true intentions and potential for biased or misleading content.
You make a fair point. It will be important to closely monitor the content and messaging of this new Iranian TV network to ensure it does not cross the line into blatant disinformation.