Israel - Iran Conflict
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Psychological warfare: Israel, Iran trade symbolic attacks
Israel has dubbed its operation Rising Lion, referencing both biblical imagery and Iran’s historic lion-and-sun emblem—a pre-revolutionary symbol of Persian strength. Prime Minister Netanyahu reinforced this by placing a lion-themed note in Jerusalem’s Western Wall. The name appears calculated to invoke Iran’s imperial past while framing Israel as a liberator, echoing Persian-language propaganda targeting Iranian citizens. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has retaliated with Hebrew-language messaging, escalating a psychological war alongside military strikes. Both sides are weaponising symbols and slogans to sway public opinion amid deepening hostilities. This battle for hearts and minds unfolds as the conflict intensifies.
Al Jazeera’s Behdad Mahichi reports.
Marc Owen Jones, Associate Professor of Media Analytics at Northwestern University in Qatar, joined Al Jazeera to analyse these tactics. He dismissed Israel’s claims of targeting only Iran’s leadership as "ludicrous," noting civilian casualties and calling the narrative "pure propaganda." Jones also highlighted how threats against Supreme Leader Khamenei aim to pressure negotiations rather than trigger regime collapse.
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