Jabri’s case became a symbol of the broader ideological and political struggle between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel. His defection to Israel, coupled with his conversion to Judaism, was portrayed by Iranian authorities as a betrayal, while in Israel, it was seen as a victory in the ongoing battle for influence in the Middle East.
Iran’s Response: Political and Propaganda Campaign
The Iranian government’s response to the hijacking was swift and forceful. Iran used the incident to bolster its anti-Israel rhetoric, framing the event as evidence of Israel’s hostility toward the Islamic world. Iranian officials repeatedly called for international condemnation of Israel’s actions, arguing that the detention of the passengers and the plane constituted a violation of international law.
Iran also launched a propaganda campaign, portraying Jabri as a traitor who had sold out his country for personal gain. The Iranian media painted a picture of a man who had been seduced by Zionist promises and had abandoned his homeland in pursuit of a selfish dream. This narrative was used to reinforce the Iranian government’s broader message of resistance against Western and Israeli influence in the region.