'Homeland' Moves Filming from Israel to Morocco Due to Syria Controversy

Credit: Showtime

For two seasons, Homeland has injected a dose of fiction into the intense international conflicts facing the world today. But now, the real world has hit a bit too close to home for the Showtime series.

Though much of the third season has already been filmed, shooting for Homeland had to be moved from Israel amid debate over Syria, writes The Hollywood Reporter.

A representative for Fox 21, the producers of the Emmy-winning drama, has confirmed shooting that was scheduled in and around the Tel Aviv area will now take place in Morocco, due to the escalating tensions in the Middle East. In recent weeks, the U.S. has come under scrutiny over the debate to launch an air strike against the regime of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. Though Homeland's ties with Israel date back to its first season, with filming having taken place around Tel Aviv, the decision was a no-brainer in the wake of possible military action in the country, along with the threat of retaliation should the Obama administration sanction an attack.

The irony, of course, is that Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa's Emmy-winning thriller is based on the Israeli series Hatufim (Prisoners of War) from Gideon Raff, and the filming in Israel represented one of the show's closest ties to its parent series. Just two months ago, producers held a press conference in Israel detailing their plans to film in the Jewish state. However, with the rest of season 3 shooting finishing up in Morocco, it's uncertain when, or if, the series will film in Israel again.

Homeland returns Sunday, Sept. 29 on Showtime.