French TV Channel Apologizes, Pulls Film After Nuclear Strike Simulation on Tel Aviv

French educational channel RMC Découverte has officially apologized and removed a documentary from its programming after it was discovered that a 3D model of Tel Aviv was used as the target for a simulated nuclear strike. The film, which aired on September 1, focused on modern weaponry, specifically the Rafale F5 fighter jet and the developing ASN4G nuclear-capable hypersonic cruise missile. One segment featured computer graphics depicting a plane launching a missile at a coastal city, followed by a nuclear mushroom cloud. Researcher Eloise Faye of the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI) noticed that the city shown was Tel Aviv and brought it to the channel's attention. On September 18, RMC Découverte announced the immediate removal of the film from all digital platforms and canceled scheduled reruns. The channel stated that the clip was acquired from a third-party professional stock photo agency, where it was mislabeled. Film director Alex Gari expressed shock, stating that the stock footage description did not indicate it depicted a real city or any location in Israel, and such footage would not have been used if that information had been available. Approximately 241,000 viewers saw the initial broadcast. RMC Découverte plans to release an edited version of the film without the controversial segment and is considering legal action against the content provider. There is currently no evidence to suggest that Tel Aviv was intentionally chosen as the target.