New Syrian News Site Launches Hebrew Content to Present a Different Syria to Israelis

A new Syrian news website called "Syria Focus" has been launched, featuring content in multiple languages including Hebrew. The site's editor, Rassan Ibrahim, explained in a Thursday interview on Kan 11's program "In Our Neighborhood" that the goal is to present an apolitical view of Syria’s current projects and developments. Ibrahim emphasized that the site currently offers content in five languages, with plans to expand to seven, including Hebrew, Turkish, and possibly Persian, reflecting the languages of neighboring countries. English serves as the primary language, followed by Arabic, French, German, and Hebrew.

Ibrahim addressed Israeli audiences directly, stating that the Israeli media’s portrayal of Syria is incomplete and often politically biased. He described a "new Syria" that has moved beyond extreme nationalism, Assad’s ideology, and Iranian influence. According to him, this new Syria is unlike Gaza’s Hamas, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, or Iran, focusing instead on rebuilding the country without hostility toward others. He urged Israelis not to view Syrians as harboring animosity or preparing for conflict.

He further criticized some Israeli media for politically tinged coverage that equates Syrians with militant groups, asserting that Syrians are engaged in a stability and prosperity project that could potentially align with the Abraham Accords in the future. The website aims to highlight economic, social, cultural, and tourism aspects of Syria to showcase the openness of Syrians to the world, whether through European languages or those of neighboring states.

Additionally, the report mentioned a Syrian source commenting on concerns in Damascus about expanding attacks, and a Sheikh opposing Hezbollah calling for improved relations with Israel, indicating ongoing regional tensions and shifts.