The US' Crown Media Holdings has launched 24-hour movie channel Hallmark Entertainment Network in Israel in partnership with local cablers Matav, Tevel and Golden Channels.

Israel's first digital satellite service Yes, set to launch this month, will also carry the channel. Following its launch on Yes, the channel will reach an estimated 1.2 million households throughout the region.

Crown Media operates the Hallmark channel in more than 100 international markets. It also owns the Odyssey Network in the US and the Kermit Channel in Asia. The company claims more than 59 million subscribers worldwide.