Syria’s state media now in Hebrew as signs of thaw with Israel emerge

Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 and the rise to power of President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, Syria has begun to take on a new face—one that signals a possible break from decades of isolation and propaganda.

One of the clearest signs of change is emerging from state media. The official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) has revamped its reporting approach, adopting a more professional, less propagandistic tone. Gone are the days of Baathist slogans dominating headlines.

In a surprising move, SANA has also launched a Hebrew-language version of its website—an unprecedented gesture in Syrian state media. The move appears to target an Israeli audience and suggests an openness to dialogue that would have been unthinkable under the previous regime.

According to diplomatic sources, official contacts have quietly taken place in recent weeks between representatives of Syria and Israel, though no formal announcements have been made.

While it is too early to call it a thaw, these developments point to a possible recalibration of Syrian foreign policy under Al-Sharaa. The new administration may be exploring avenues to break its long-standing regional isolation and redefine its position on the international stage.