ISRAEL PERSPECTIVE

Israeli media coverage reveals a profoundly security-focused and militarised perspective on the conflict with Iran, structured around the concept of existential threat. Israeli media emphasise the operational and tactical dimensions of the conflict, with particular attention to technological challenges (cluster warheads, air defence systems) and successes of intelligence operations. This technical approach masks an underlying emotional dimension: persistent anxiety about Iranian attacks and the need to reassure the public of defence system effectiveness. The tone oscillates between factual alarm (cluster munition impacts, threats to Ben Gurion Airport) and direct accusations against the Iranian regime, presented as inherently destabilising.

Particular emphasis on Mossad activities and psychological warfare operations reveals a narrative strategy aimed at demonstrating Israeli technological and operational superiority. Publication of Mossad telephone calls to Iranian commanders, detailed descriptions of strikes against Iranian leaders, and technical analysis of interception systems all serve a media deterrence logic. This approach transforms information into an instrument of psychological warfare, where each operational disclosure aims as much to inform the Israeli public as to pressure the Iranian adversary.

The silences in this coverage are revealing: near-absence of analysis of human and economic costs of the conflict, minimisation of questions about international legitimacy of operations, and avoidance of debate on long-term geopolitical consequences. The Iranian civilian dimension is largely obscured, except in calls for popular revolt, presenting Iran exclusively through its regime. This reduces discussion of broader dimensions while supporting moral justification of the conflict.

The narrative framing positions Israel as a defensive actor facing an aggressive and expansionist Iran, despite the American-Israeli military initiative. This rhetorical reversal transforms a bombing campaign into legitimate preventive self-defence. The alliance with the United States is presented as natural and necessary, though Israeli media subtly underline tactical divergences (criticism of US State Department budget cuts), asserting Israeli strategic autonomy. This coverage reflects a society in total war, where information becomes a battlefield as much as a tool for national cohesion facing a perceived existential threat.