ILOwnership & classification
Founded: 2013
Ownership
i24NEWS was founded in 2013 and is controlled by Franco-Israeli telecoms billionaire Patrick Drahi, who personally backed and financed the channel. It sits within the orbit of Drahi's Altice/Altice Europe telecom and media group; Drahi is the founder and controlling shareholder of Altice. The channel broadcasts in English, French and Arabic and added a U.S. cable channel in 2017.
Funding
Funded primarily by Patrick Drahi's investment plus advertising and cable/satellite/streaming carriage fees (including U.S. distribution deals such as the 2019 AT&T/DirecTV agreement). It is a privately bankrolled, owner-subsidized operation rather than a profitable standalone business.
Affiliation & stance
i24NEWS is privately owned by a commercial billionaire with no formal party or state ownership, though Drahi launched it partly to counter what he viewed as biased Western coverage of Israel, giving it a broadly pro-Israel, center-right tilt. Because control rests with a private commercial owner rather than a party or the state, it is best classified INDEPENDENT (the site's INDEPENDENT/CENTER_RIGHT labels are reasonable).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 355
61/100
Factual
57/100
Objective
394
Articles
382
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
How Turkish Media Is Trying To Turn The Kurds Against Israel - Opinion
The opinion piece by i24NEWS discusses allegations that Turkish media is attempting to influence Kurdish communities by fostering anti-Israel sentiment. The article suggests that Turkish outlets may be using narratives that portray Israel in a negative light, potentially aiming to sway Kurdish opinions against Israeli policies. It highlights concerns about the role of media in shaping geopolitical perceptions and the potential impact on regional dynamics involving Turkey, Israel, and Kurdish populations.
Ex-spy Jonathan Pollard joins Sharren Haskel's Israel First party ahead of elections
Former U.S. intelligence officer Jonathan Pollard, who served 30 years in prison for espionage against the United States, has joined the right-wing Israel First party led by MK Sharren Haskel ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections. Pollard, who was released from prison in 2015 and later moved to Israel, expressed his support for Haskel and the party's 'Israel First' platform. Haskel praised Pollard as an 'Israeli hero' and highlighted his personal sacrifices for Israel. Despite his past loyalty to the country, Pollard has recently criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called for his replacement in the upcoming election.
DM Katz orders IDF to respond 'immediately and with force' to Gaza balloon, kite and drone launches
Defense Minister Benny Gantz ordered the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to respond 'immediately and with force' to attacks from Gaza involving balloons, kites, and drones. The directive comes amid increased incidents of such low-altitude projectiles being used to harass Israeli territory. These devices, often launched by Palestinian militants, pose a challenge due to their difficulty in detection and interception. The IDF has been tasked with developing countermeasures while maintaining operational readiness. The situation reflects ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas, with both sides engaging in a cycle of escalation.
Southern Israelis fear return to pre-October 7 reality as IDF holds off on Gaza kites
Over the past week, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) identified at least six kites launched from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory, with four crossing in the past 24 hours. Military sources suggest these kites are being used by Hamas operatives, possibly involving local teenagers. Residents in Western Negev communities expressed frustration with the IDF's lack of response, recalling past incidents where similar kites caused damage. Soldiers in the Gaza Division reported not receiving specific guidance on handling such threats. While the IDF stated it is monitoring the situation and considering further action, it has not yet taken operational measures against the kites. Meanwhile, the IDF Southern Command noted the elimination of 13 Hamas operatives, including senior commanders, as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts. Officials confirmed that no dangerous items were found on the kites, but the situation has raised concerns among residents about returning to the heightened security environment seen before October 7, 2023.
Economic warfare: Bankrupting Iran will be more effective than bombing - opinion
The article argues that economic warfare could be more effective than military bombing in undermining Iran's ability to sustain its military and terrorist activities. It highlights that while military strikes can destroy physical assets, they do not prevent Iran from rebuilding if it maintains access to foreign currency and international markets. The author notes that the war has caused approximately $270 billion in damage, equivalent to 57% of Iran's GDP, with ongoing economic decline threatening to set the country back by several years. The piece emphasizes that Iran's economy was already weakened by sanctions, corruption, and international isolation, making it vulnerable to further economic deterioration. The author distinguishes between the Iranian people and the ruling mullahs, criticizing the regime for prioritizing militarization over domestic welfare. The article references President Trump's 'Operation Economic Fury' as an intensified effort to apply economic pressure through secondary sanctions.
IDF strikes Hamas terror cell, resuming preemptive strikes despite Trump's Gaza deal
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a preemptive airstrike against a Hamas terror cell in Khan Yunis, marking the second such attack in two days following a temporary pause imposed by a U.S.-Hamas deal in late July. Military sources stated that the targeted cell was not among Hamas' most senior leadership but was actively planning an attack against Israeli forces. The IDF has restricted attacks on high-ranking Hamas figures and strategic assets since the deal, but continues to target operatives preparing to carry out attacks. This approach allows the IDF to act preemptively to prevent potential incidents, especially in areas where Hamas controls access. While the IDF maintains that its soldiers are not being restricted from self-defense, the U.S. appears to support this strategy until Hamas begins disarming. The strike followed the IDF’s earlier decision to halt attacks on certain Hamas targets under the terms of the agreement.
Syria's FM Says Israel Security Talks Frozen Since Iran War, Expects Them To Resume Soon
The article reports that Syria's Foreign Minister stated that security talks with Israel have been frozen since the Iran war, but expects them to resume soon. The statement suggests ongoing tensions between Syria and Israel, likely related to regional conflicts involving Iran. The report highlights the diplomatic impasse and potential future engagement between the two nations.
In the Ukrainian attack on Belgorod killed six people, among the wounded children
On August 17, 2026, an Ukrainian missile attack struck the Russian region of Belgorod, killing six people and injuring four, including a 14-year-old child. The attack reportedly hit the village of Koloskovo in the Valuysky district, damaging a building and a vehicle. In addition, a woman was killed in another Ukrainian strike in Russia’s Astrakhan region, which targeted industrial infrastructure. According to French news agency AFP, at least 19 people were killed in mutual attacks between Ukraine and Russia over the weekend. Russia’s defense ministry described the Ukrainian strikes, some involving hundreds of drones, as the largest since the start of the year. One of the targets was a warehouse belonging to the Russian e-commerce company Wildberries, which Kyiv claims supplies parts for drones to the Russian military. Meanwhile, in southern Odessa Oblast, a Russian night attack on Izmail caused fires that have been extinguished. A civilian ship flying the flag of Tuva was damaged during the attack, leaving four people injured. Ukraine’s state energy company Naftogaz reported that Russia conducted 13 attacks on its facilities across Ukraine in the past week, targeting production and能源
‘A Bridge Too Far’: Paramount Brands Ruffalo’s Attack On Warner Bros. Merger ‘antisemitic’
The article reports on a controversy surrounding a merger between Paramount Brands and Warner Bros., which was criticized by actor and producer Nick Ruffalo. The headline suggests that Ruffalo's opposition to the merger was labeled as 'antisemitic' by some critics. The piece highlights the debate over the merger's implications, particularly regarding cultural and commercial interests, but does not provide detailed context or quotes from Ruffalo or other stakeholders involved in the discussion.
Mansour Abbas brings Palestinian statehood into election pitch, drawing rebukes from Eisenkot, Netanyahu
Mansour Abbas, leader of the United Arab List, has included the issue of Palestinian statehood in his campaign platform ahead of upcoming Israeli elections. This move has drawn criticism from prominent figures such as former IDF chief of staff Amos Yaron (Eisenkot) and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The inclusion of Palestinian statehood in Abbas' electoral strategy highlights the ongoing debate over Israel's future direction regarding peace negotiations and territorial agreements with Palestine. Abbas' stance reflects broader political divisions within Israel concerning the recognition of a Palestinian state and its implications for national security and sovereignty.
Breaking news from the Middle East, Israel and around the world
The article titled 'Breaking news from the Middle East, Israel and around the world' by i24NEWS serves as a general headline announcing upcoming news coverage. It does not provide specific content or detailed information about any particular event, story, or development. The headline suggests that the channel intends to report on current affairs related to the Middle East, Israel, and global issues. However, without further elaboration, the article remains a placeholder or teaser rather than a substantive news piece.
Iran claims neighboring states seek new security order after US risked allies ‘for sake of Israel’
The article reports that Iran has accused neighboring states of seeking a new regional security order, citing U.S. actions that allegedly put allies at risk for the benefit of Israel. The claim suggests that Iran perceives a shift in regional alliances and strategic priorities, potentially impacting stability in the Middle East. The statement reflects Iran’s broader narrative regarding U.S. foreign policy and its implications for regional security dynamics.
Trump Envoy Tom Barrack Says Israel ‘occupies’ Golan, Contradicting US Policy
Tom Barrack, a U.S. envoy under President Donald Trump, stated during an interview that Israel 'occupies' the Golan Heights, directly contradicting U.S. foreign policy which recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the territory. The remarks were reported by i24NEWS, an Israeli-based news outlet. Barrack’s comments highlight a potential divergence between his personal views and the official stance of the United States regarding the status of the Golan Heights. This statement has sparked discussions about the influence of private individuals in shaping international policy narratives.