Israeli officials confirmed to the ‘New York Times’ that Israel had launched an attack on Iran. An Israeli source also revealed to the ‘Washington Post’ that the attack was meant to signal Israel’s capability to conduct operations inside Iran. Additionally, an intelligence source informed CNN that it was believed Iran would not retaliate against the Israeli attack. From the early hours of the morning, senior Israeli officials began briefing the American media about the attack in Iran.
Yaki Dayan, a former consul general in Los Angeles, political advisor in Washington, and chief of staff to two foreign ministers, stated that the American media plays a crucial role in the Middle East by conveying information and disinformation. He explained that messages are often delivered through the American media when either the Americans or Israel want to communicate with each other. Dayan emphasized that the American media is a significant tool in the Middle East arena.
Dayan further explained the distinction between active and passive communication in media interactions. He mentioned that certain sources actively communicate with journalists, while others passively use these platforms to convey their messages. According to Dayan, the American media is highly regarded for reliability, particularly major outlets like the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. He mentioned that for television, CNN, Fox News, ABC, and NBC are important as well.
Moreover, Dayan highlighted the importance of considering media outlets’ sympathies and preferences when choosing where to convey messages. He mentioned that certain media platforms, like the Wall Street Journal, may be more sympathetic towards Israel than others. Dayan also discussed the concept of test balloons, where statements are made to gauge the reaction and response.
In conclusion, Dayan emphasized the need to work with all media outlets and communicate messages effectively. He noted that Prime Minister Netanyahu prefers to brief American media outlets due to his comfort level and the type of questions he might receive. It is essential to understand how and where to communicate messages effectively in the media landscape.