‘Homeland’ Moves Israel Shoot to Morocco Amid Syria Debate

Much of Homeland's third season is already in the can, but planned shoots for Israel have been axed on account of the precarious situation in Syria.

A representative from Homeland producers Fox 21 confirms to The Hollywood Reporter that the anticipated shoot in the Tel Aviv area will now take place on Morocco as tensions grow with talk of a possible U.S. military strike on the neighboring country. News was first reported by Israeli outlet Ynet.

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Homeland has previously filmed in Israel, with parts of the first two seasons shooting in Tel Aviv as well as Barta'a, a small town that straddles the Green Line. The series holds close ties with Israel. Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa's Emmy-winning thriller is based on the Israeli format Hatufim (Prisoners of War) from Gideon Raff, and just two months ago producers held a press conference in the country detailing plans to shoot in the Jewish state.

The decision to move shop comes as little surprise given the threat of military action in the area and widely reported anxiety over possible retribution from Syria should such strike occur.

Gordon's Fox 21 pilot Tyrant, which follows and unassuming American family drawn into the workings of a turbulent Middle Eastern nation, will also shoot in Morocco. The buzzy project is currently in consideration at FX.

Homeland returns to Showtime on Sept. 29.

Michael O'Connell