The Media War Between Iran and Israel
The recent confrontations between Iran and Israel have sparked a media war, with both sides trying to justify their actions and mobilize support. Israel has utilized official and popular channels to defend its strikes, publishing clips in various languages and engaging in online battles to promote its narrative. On the other hand, Tehran has launched media campaigns targeting Israeli and Western audiences, while downplaying internal differences in Israel.
Media Strategies
Both countries have employed precise media strategies to manage public perceptions, internally and externally. They have emphasized their goals, highlighted the position of others, and intentionally suppressed certain information. Dr. Hassan Abdullah, Vice President of the East London University, notes that Israel has mobilized its media to justify its strikes, while Iran has directed its media campaigns against Israeli and Western audiences.
Propaganda and Censorship
The use of propaganda in war is a common tactic, and both sides have employed it to further their interests. Israel has control over the media through the "Military Control Service" of the military intelligence department (AMAN), which examines television, radio, internet, newspapers, and books, deciding what information to delete or request from media employees. In contrast, Iran has relied on state media and experts to transmit its message via the internet or television.
Public Opinion and Media Freedom
The Iranian government has asked citizens to remove the WhatsApp application from their smartphones, claiming it sends user information to Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli media has published reports criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s politics and highlighting gaps in national security. Dr. Muhammad Mohsen Abdel-Nour, an expert on Iranian Affairs, believes that criticism of the media in Iran usually stops at the limit of the regime, but recent confrontations have seen criticism of the governing regime.
Historical and Religious Narratives
Both sides have used historical and religious accounts to promote their narratives. Israel has portrayed itself as a civilized nation fighting against barbarism, while Iran has presented itself as a victim of aggression. However, this time, Israel’s narrative has not been successful, particularly in the face of persistent aggression against defenseless civilians in Gaza.
Conclusion
The media war between Iran and Israel is a complex and multifaceted issue, with both sides employing various strategies to further their interests. While Israel has control over the media, Iran has relied on state media and experts to transmit its message. The use of propaganda, censorship, and historical and religious narratives has been evident on both sides, highlighting the importance of media in modern warfare.
