At We Believe in Israel (WBII), we are compelled to address a troubling instance of biased reporting by Sky News’ diplomatic editor, Dominic Waghorn. In his recent commentary, Mr. Waghorn criticised Israel’s defensive operations in Syria and astonishingly cast Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—a proscribed terrorist organisation under UK law—in a light that could be interpreted as sympathetic, even describing it as a potential "new revolutionary government."

This portrayal is not only factually baseless but also morally indefensible. HTS is a jihadist organisation rooted in extremist ideology and responsible for innumerable atrocities. To describe such a group in terms that confer legitimacy is an affront to the victims of its violence and to those working to counter extremism.

Israel’s actions in Syria, which Mr. Waghorn so readily criticised, are not acts of aggression. These defensive measures are carefully calculated to prevent advanced weaponry from falling into the hands of Iranian proxies and extremist factions like HTS. Such operations are crucial, not just for Israel’s security but for the broader stability of the Middle East.

It is concerning that Mr. Waghorn’s comments failed to reflect this context. By omitting the reality of the threats posed by HTS and Iranian-backed militias, his remarks risk misleading audiences about the complexities of the conflict. More disturbingly, they imply an equivalence between Israel’s legitimate defensive actions and the agendas of extremist actors who pose a grave threat to regional stability.

The media wields enormous influence in shaping public perception and discourse. With this power comes a responsibility to ensure that reporting is accurate, balanced, and reflective of the facts. Mr. Waghorn’s framing of HTS as a "revolutionary government" and his criticism of Israel represent a failure to uphold these principles.

Let us be clear: HTS is not a government. It is a terrorist organisation recognised as such under UK law. It seeks not liberation but the imposition of a brutal and regressive regime. For Sky News to allow a senior journalist to portray HTS in such terms is both irresponsible and dangerous.

What We Call For

WBII has called on Sky News to take immediate action to address this serious lapse:

1. Clarification and Correction:
   Sky News must clarify whether Mr. Waghorn’s comments represent the organisation’s official stance or a personal misstep. If the latter, a formal correction and apology are essential.

2. Reinforcement of Editorial Standards:
   As a respected news organisation, Sky News must ensure that its reporting meets the highest standards of accuracy and impartiality, particularly on issues as sensitive as the Middle East.

3. Acknowledgement of Bias:
   Sky News must explicitly recognise the error in portraying HTS as anything other than a proscribed terrorist organisation. This is not a matter of interpretation but of fundamental journalistic integrity.

Misrepresentation of this kind has serious consequences. It not only distorts public understanding of a complex conflict but also undermines efforts to combat terrorism and protect innocent lives. Israel’s actions in Syria are not only justified but necessary in the face of existential threats. Failing to convey this reality is a disservice to viewers and a betrayal of journalistic ethics.

Sky News owes it to its audience—and to its reputation as a trusted source of information—to address this issue decisively. Journalism must be rooted in truth and fairness, particularly when covering regions as volatile and misunderstood as the Middle East.

At WBII, we will continue to call out bias and advocate for honest, informed reporting on Israel. The stakes are too high for anything less. We urge Sky News to reflect on its role in shaping public understanding and to take corrective steps to ensure that its coverage is both accurate and impartial.

The fight against extremism and misinformation demands nothing less.