Iranian Media Covers Israeli Elections With Mix of Factual Reports and Conspiracy Theories

Iranian media outlets responded to the emerging results of the Israeli elections on Wednesday with a range of reports and analyses. Coverage in the country spanned from concise, factual reporting based on Israeli media to exaggerated interpretations, conspiracy theories, and fake news. A more restrained approach was taken by "Hamshahri," a newspaper affiliated with the Tehran municipality and considered relatively moderate. It published a laconic report focusing on political deadlock, noting that neither Benjamin Netanyahu nor Gadi Eisenkot appeared to have a majority to form a coalition. The paper also suggested that the expected achievement of Arab parties, estimated at 17 to 18 Knesset seats, further complicates government formation efforts.

In contrast, conservative and hardline media presented a much more aggressive line. The conservative newspaper "Khorasan" ran a headline stating "The Beginning of the Escape from Netanyahu," with a sub-headline claiming Netanyahu complained of election fraud amid escalating conflict between the military and political establishment. This report, based on a single item from Channel 14, led the newspaper to conclude that the Prime Minister was rejecting the results, asserting that his shaky situation indicated the pre-October 7th sense of security had not yet been restored.

Concurrently, the conservative newspaper "Resalat," associated with trade unions loyal to the regime, published an opinion piece titled "The Devil's Deal." The article contended that if the exit poll data were accurate, it might signify the beginning of Netanyahu's removal from the political arena.

"Kayhan," a newspaper close to the office of Supreme Leader Khamenei, largely ignored the exit polls and the overnight drama. It offered a brief report quoting a later article from "Israel Hayom" about Netanyahu's plans in the event of a defeat.