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Professor Eli Avraham, head of the communications department at the University of Haifa, delves into the complexities of international media coverage of Israel in his recent book From David to Goliath: Coverage of Israel in the International Media.
The work sheds light on the profound bias that has characterized global reporting on Israel, exploring the evolution of its image from the David of the Middle East to the Goliath it is often depicted as in the media today.
Avraham’s interest in the subject began in 1998 during his postdoctoral research in Boston. He became intrigued by the frequent and sometimes obsessive focus on Israel in the international press, particularly the Boston Globe, which featured numerous stories on the country despite the region’s comparatively limited size and population. This sparked his academic curiosity and led to the collection of a massive archive of media reports.
Unveiling media’s narrative on Israel
The narrative of Israel’s media portrayal is not new, as Avraham points out. By the time of the 1982 Lebanon War, Israel’s portrayal in international media had shifted drastically.
Initially seen as a David-like underdog in the Middle East, Israel began to be framed as a powerful Goliath after 1982, particularly in Western outlets such as The New York Times and The Washington Post. This transformation was influenced by significant events, such as the Sabra and Shatila massacre, which overshadowed Israel's image as a victim of terrorism.
Avraham discusses a key turning point during his book’s development, particularly during the 2008 conflict and the 2023 war following October 7.
Despite Israel's ongoing efforts in public diplomacy and strategic media engagement, Avraham notes that foreign coverage often ignores Israel's narratives, focusing instead on framing it as the aggressor. This is exemplified by the media’s selective reporting, where Israel is often portrayed as responsible for violence against Palestinians, with little to no context about the complexities of the region or the provocations from adversaries.
One of the main criticisms of international media, according to Avraham, is the lack of reaction to biased reporting. He highlights the sheer volume of journalists, estimated at around 900 or more, according to some reports, who flood into Israel during major conflicts, yet many simply parrot narratives constructed by groups such as Hamas. These reporters, often influenced by their backgrounds, inadvertently reinforce a skewed version of events that suits their ideological leanings or fits the narratives approved by their editors.
Avraham’s book argues that the media's selective framing of Israel has broader implications. It fosters an environment where anti-Israel sentiment can thrive unchecked, contributing to a wider trend of biased or distorted coverage.
Drawing on his academic expertise, he calls for a more balanced approach to reporting on Israel, one that incorporates diverse viewpoints and refrains from demonizing the Jewish state in the same way it might other nations embroiled in conflict.
As Avraham concludes, the global media’s treatment of Israel has profound effects not only on its international reputation but also on how Jewish communities worldwide experience the ongoing conflict. A key takeaway from his research is the importance of involving these communities in advocacy and media engagement, ensuring that their voices are heard in the broader dialogue surrounding Israel's place in the world.