i24NEWS Foreign Desk Chief Departs After 18 Months

Barak Betesh, the foreign desk chief at i24NEWS, announced on Thursday that he is leaving the news channel after approximately a year and a half. Betesh shared his departure on social media, hinting at new professional challenges ahead. He described i24NEWS as his first professional "home" on television, where he learned a great deal about his profession and gained exposure to diverse perspectives.

Betesh expressed gratitude to his managers and colleagues at the foreign desk and across the channel. He stated that he will continue to share updates as he moves towards "new and exciting challenges" in the near future.

Betesh joined i24NEWS in April 2025, transitioning from radio to television. Prior to that, he served for over two years as the foreign correspondent for Galei Tzahal (Army Radio). His move to i24NEWS marked his first experience in television journalism, initially as a foreign correspondent before being promoted to head of the foreign desk. He had announced his departure from Galei Tzahal in March 2025, also suggesting a new professional endeavor was on the horizon.