Israel expands Lebanon assault, striking banks to hit Hezbollah's finances
NBCOct 19
Israeli Strike Reportedly Kills 3 Journalists in South Lebanon
Above: A car marked "Press" at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area where a number of journalists were located in the southern Lebanese village of Hasbaya on Oct. 25, 2024. Image copyright: Ali Hankir/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
An Israeli airstrike killed three journalists in Hasbaya in South Lebanon early on Friday. The area had been considered more safe because Israel had not issued evacuation orders for it. Two of those killed worked for al-Mayadeen, which is generally supportive of Hezbollah, and one for al-Manar, which is affiliated with the group.
The bungalow that was targeted had been used by several media outlets to cover the war. Lebanon accused Israel of deliberately targeting the journalists. The Israeli military has yet to comment on the strike.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The US strongly supports free speech and journalistic freedom. Nonetheless, in many cases, outlets like Al Jazeera have framed this complicated conflict in the most anti-Israel terms possible. Likewise, the US truly values Qatar's role in mediating negotiations, but it has made clear that there can be no more business as usual with Hamas.
Pro-Israel narrative
Outlets like Al Jazeera serve as mouthpieces for terror, and Israel will not tolerate such incitement. Israel does not target journalists. However, many of the so-called "journalists" killed in this conflict have actually been Hamas terrorists. Indeed, evidence continues to mount that Al Jazeera is complicit in terrorism.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Israel's claims are baseless and are being used to silence those covering its genocide in Gaza and its destruction of South Lebanon. The six Al Jazeera journalists Israel has accused of being Hamas and PIJ members all happen to be covering Israel's offensive in northern Gaza. Western media is also culpable in covering for Israel's genocide, taking Israeli claims at face value.