A Middle East expert on BBC News has sparked outrage after suggesting that Israel was the aggressor in the ongoing conflict with Iran and Hezbollah. The comments have led to accusations that the BBC is biased against Israel.
A guest on BBC News has sparked outrage after suggesting that Israel was the aggressor in the ongoing conflict with Iran and Hezbollah. Middle East expert Dr. Andreas Krieg, a senior lecturer in security studies at King's College in London, made the comments during an interview on BBC World News.
Krieg argued that Israel had crossed "red lines" in the conflict and that Hezbollah and Iran had been "fairly rational" in their response. He also said that Israel had "lost the opportunity" to use off-ramps that had been given to them.
BBC Accused of Bias After Guest Defends Iran's Attack on Israel
The comments have led to accusations that the BBC is biased against Israel. Several prominent figures, including UK presenter and The Sun columnist Julia Hartley-Brewer, have called the BBC "an openly pro-terrorist organization."
The BBC has not yet responded to a request for comment.
BBC Accused of Bias After Guest Defends Iran's Attack on Israel
The controversy comes amid heightened tensions in the region following Iran's launch of hundreds of ballistic missiles towards targets in Israel. The strikes were "ineffective" but a "significant escalation" in the ongoing regional conflict, according to U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.
Israel has vowed to respond strongly to the attack. Gen. Joseph Votel, former CENTCOM commanding general, said that Israel's response will be "much stronger" than last time.
BBC Accused of Bias After Guest Defends Iran's Attack on Israel
The conflict between Israel and Iran has been simmering for years. Iran has been accused of supporting terrorist groups that target Israel, while Israel has been accused of carrying out airstrikes on Iranian targets in Syria and elsewhere.
The recent escalation in tensions is a major concern for the international community. The United States has called for a de-escalation of violence, while the United Nations has also expressed concern.
The BBC's coverage of the conflict has also come under scrutiny. A recent report claimed that the BBC breached editorial guidelines over 1,500 times during the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2021.
The BBC has denied the allegations of bias, but the controversy over Krieg's comments is likely to further damage its reputation.
