Iran's Intelligence Ministry has published an official document listing a series of Israeli media outlets and public figures designated as "hostile" to the regime, including journalist Amit Segal and pro-Israel advocate Yoseph Haddad. According to the document, any contact with them or transfer of information to them will be considered espionage and collaboration with the "Zionist entity," an offense carrying lengthy prison sentences. Journalist Amit Segal responded with a jab: "I guess I did something right after all."
The Iranian regime is escalating its psychological and perception-based warfare, this time aiming directly at Israeli media and advocacy figures. As part of the growing effort by the Revolutionary Guards and Tehran's security apparatus to isolate the country's citizens from outside influence, Iran's Intelligence Ministry published an official, detailed document expanding the "blacklist" of individuals and organizations with whom contact is strictly forbidden.
This unusual step reveals a glimpse of the panic gripping the corridors of power in Iran over information leaking out, and over Israeli media narratives seeping into the Iranian street.
The Iranian document is written in rigid legal language and is based on what is defined under local law as the "Law for Increasing Penalties for Espionage and Collaboration with Zionism." The text itself details the severe charges and draconian punishments awaiting any Iranian citizen who dares violate the guidelines.
According to the updated legal memorandum, any media collaboration, transfer of information, propaganda, or even technical contact with the individuals appearing on the list could be interpreted as harming the Islamic Republic's national security. Punishment for these acts, defined as intended "to stir public panic" or damage the state's image, includes actual prison sentences of many years behind bars, as well as permanent removal from government and public service positions.
What is generating particular interest in Israel is the list of targets attached to the order. Alongside various international media outlets, Iran's Intelligence Ministry saw fit to personally flag a series of prominent Israeli journalists, commentators, and advocacy activists. Among the names designated as especially "hostile," to be avoided entirely, are Channel 12's senior political commentator Amit Segal, well-known advocacy activist Yoseph Haddad, and journalist Emily Schrader.
The specific mention of these individuals by name indicates that intelligence bodies in Tehran are monitoring, almost on a daily basis, what happens on social media and in established Israeli media, and identifying the figures with the broadest influence and reach, especially those whose voices are heard well beyond Israel's shores.
Following the document's publication, commentator Amit Segal addressed his inclusion on the extraordinary list. In a message posted to his followers, Segal chose to respond with the humor and cynicism characteristic of him given the absurd situation. "I guess I did something right after all," Segal wrote, noting that Iranian intelligence had officially decided to place him on the list of people whose contact could lead to long years in prison.
Finally, Segal added a joking jab illustrating the gap between Israeli democracy and the Iranian dictatorship: "To the Israelis here, you're still allowed to give me information. To the Iranians, forget it, don't put yourselves at risk."
Beyond the amusing angle from the Israeli side, the story offers a grim glimpse into the reality of life for millions of Iranian citizens, living under a regime of terror that imposes disproportionate punishments on basic acts of free expression and communication.
