Israeli officials are generally skeptical about the channel’s being able to change the hostile attitude of Arab viewers who are surrounded with Arab TV stations giving reports and pictures of Israel’s cruelties in occupied Palestine. The Arab reporting has destroyed Israel’s image, both regionally and internationally. Another argument is that the Arabic section of official Israel TV serves the purpose of meeting Arab challenges. The channel had financial problems as it required huge investments to make it attractive to Arab viewers who expect sensational reporting and programs.

The station is currently on the air for a few hours every day. The air time is scheduled to increase gradually. Some Israelis view the director of the new station, Yusuf Baneh, an Egyptian by birth, with suspicion.

A number of Arabic-speaking editors and reporters in the Arabic section of Israeli TV also work for the new station. Since several of them have worked for the Israeli military and other security bodies, some people call the new station the Israeli Intelligence Television. Israeli-supported South Lebanon Army commander, Saad Haddad, is the father of an editor in the new station. Leena Saad Haddad who studied journalism in France earlier worked for Lebanon TV. The channel is a part of the European Satellite which can be received all over the Arab world.

Denying the suggestion that the channel will contradict everything on the other Arab channels, the director said it would present programs objectively and maintain a high degree of credibility. He said it would not play the role of a government spokesman. It will feature the opinions of Palestinian viewers as well as those of leaders and officials as long as they do not incite people against Israel. The Arab media fear that Israel will use the new station to spread false reports about Arab leaders in order to sensationalize and attract viewers.

Some Arab viewers have been surprised by Israeli efforts to change the Arab view of Israel, Palestine and Jerusalem. The viewers have no doubt that they will not be influenced by Zionist propaganda. One viewer, Muhammad Al-Amri, said no matter how hard the station tried, it would never make him change his views of Sharon’s crimes. That notoriety can never be wiped away even if the channel telecasts round the clock, he maintained.

Another viewer wants to see the broadcasts because he is curious to know what is going on in Israel. He also wants to know the precise character of the new station.

According to an Arab journalist, the new channel will not differ from other Arab official and local channels. It will be airing its own views with scant regard for any others.