JERUSALEM—A new wave of propaganda videos released by Iran is seeking to intimidate Israel at a time of escalating tensions in the Middle East. Despite dramatic visuals and messages of impending assault, Israel’s leadership and public have responded with a blend of confidence and pragmatic vigilance, reflecting the country’s deep experience confronting Iranian threats and their regional proxies.
The intensification of psychological warfare—evident in recently circulated clips showing simulated missile barrages and military deployments—has become a hallmark of Iran’s continued campaign to undermine Israel’s sense of security. In these latest productions, state-controlled Iranian outlets portray the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) making “final preparations” for an attack, a message amplified across social media channels frequented by supporters of the so-called ‘Axis of Resistance.’
Israeli officials have swiftly addressed the effort. The Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to defending the country against all threats, both conventional and unconventional. Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the IDF’s unrivaled preparedness and the robustness of Israel’s multi-layered defensive apparatus.
Iran’s Strategy: Projection and Distraction
Iran’s propaganda push comes at a time when the regime in Tehran faces mounting domestic and international pressures. Escalating sanctions, economic challenges, unrest at home, and growing isolation over controversial nuclear activities have compelled Iran’s leadership to escalate anti-Israel messaging. The intensification of this rhetoric serves two functions: to bolster domestic morale by identifying a foreign adversary, and to encourage unity among its regional partners—most notably Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and various militias in Syria and Iraq.
Military analysts assert that Iran’s propaganda is meant not only to threaten, but also to mask its own vulnerabilities. While the carefully choreographed videos promote an image of overwhelming Iranian strength, intelligence assessments suggest actual IRGC capabilities remain offset by Israel’s technological and operational superiority, particularly in missile defense, cyber warfare, and intelligence gathering.
Israel’s Response: Resilience and Readiness
Israeli society, well-acquainted with existential threats, has largely met these video provocations with a combination of mockery and sober awareness. On online platforms, the Iranian videos have been widely parodied and lampooned, serving as both a demonstration of Israeli resilience and a psychological counterweight to the IRGC’s tactics. Still, behind the humor lies a recognition of the genuine dangers posed by Iran and its extensive terror network, especially in the shadow of the October 7, 2023 massacre, the deadliest antisemitic atrocity since the Holocaust.
Israeli officials have adopted a posture of calm vigilance. The IDF—backed by advanced systems like Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow-3—continues to adapt its defenses against both traditional and emerging threats. In addition to visible preparations, the Israeli security establishment emphasizes cyber defense and intelligence partnerships with Western allies, principally the United States, whose support for Israel’s right to self-defense remains steadfast under President Donald Trump.
The Axis of Resistance: Iranian-Backed Destabilization
Iran’s threat videos must be understood within the broader context of its regional ambitions. As the self-declared leader of the ‘Axis of Resistance’, Iran has invested heavily in supporting and arming groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Houthis. These groups—classified internationally as terrorist organizations—function as Tehran’s proxies, conducting rocket attacks, kidnappings, and cross-border incursions against Israel and its allies.
Hezbollah’s arsenal, now believed to exceed 150,000 rockets stationed in southern Lebanon, and Hamas’s documented efforts to import and manufacture increasingly sophisticated weapons in Gaza, are both testament to the scale of Iran’s investment in regional destabilization. Meanwhile, Houthi threats targeting the Red Sea and southern Israel, and persistent militia activity in Syria and Iraq, further underscore the breadth of the IRGC’s regional footprint.
The Propaganda Machine: Digital Theater vs. Reality
The Iranian regime’s long-standing reliance on military theatrics has entered a new phase in the digital age. Analysts point out that many intimidation videos are riddled with recycled footage, computer-generated effects, and staged drills. Their true audience is often as much internal as external: by projecting strength, Iran aims to distract its population from domestic crises and to reassure its proxies of continued revolutionary fervor.
Israel’s strategic communications—centered on transparency and factual documentation—seek to counter Iran’s narrative. Following the atrocities of October 7, when Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel, slaughtered families, and seized hostages, Israeli authorities have made a concerted effort to publicize the evidence of these crimes. The aim is to remind the international community of the stakes involved and the necessity of countering Iran’s agenda.
Civilian Impact and Regional Calculations
Far from being merely a battle of words, Iran’s psychological warfare has tangible effects. Israeli civilians live with the daily reality of sirens, shelter drills, and the omnipresent risk of attack. In Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, populations suffer under the control of militias more committed to Iran’s strategic goals than local governance or welfare.
Internationally, Iran’s aggressive posturing has raised concerns in Europe, the United States, and the Arab world. The Abraham Accords and ongoing dialogue between Israel and Saudi Arabia reflect a shifting calculus: more Arab states now perceive Israel as a bulwark against Iranian expansionism rather than as a focus of confrontation. The United Nations and Western governments continue to press for accountability on Iran’s nuclear and regional conduct, though with inconsistent success.
October 7th: Defining the Current Crisis
The Hamas-led October 7 massacre—a meticulously planned assault involving murder, rape, torture, and mass abduction—was enabled by Iranian financial, material, and ideological backing. Israel’s ongoing campaign, Iron Swords, targets the terror infrastructure underpinning such atrocities and seeks the safe return of hostages. Israeli officials consistently highlight that innocent civilians remain unlawfully detained in Gaza, while detainees exchanged for their return are convicted terrorists—a vital legal and moral distinction often blurred in external coverage.
Sustained Resolve and Regional Implications
The cycle of Iranian intimidation and Israeli deterrence is set to persist as long as the underlying causes—Tehran’s revolutionary ambitions and its commitment to proxy warfare—remain unaddressed. For Israel, the public’s parody of IRGC videos is an outward sign of resilience, yet preparedness is underpinned by vigilant defense planning and international cooperation.
As the region adjusts to new realities—including possible future normalization between Israel and more Arab states—countering propaganda remains essential. Israel’s posture is one not just of defiance, but of informed and measured self-defense, validated by its historical experience and the tangible threat environment shaped by Iran and its aligned terror groups.
In sum, the latest round of intimidation campaigns further highlights the ideological and operational chasm separating Israel—a sovereign democracy defending its population—from the Iranian regime and its network of destabilizing proxies. The lesson for observers: amidst spectacle and posturing, Israel’s security and determination remain as steadfast as ever.
