Dunia Aburish

Identity Discourse in Israel: the Effect of Media on Palestinian Identity Formation Throughout Operation Cast Lead Dunia Aburish

News briefings, media outlets, and speeches provide the world with public documentation that relates an action to its validation. A closer look at media and official discourse provides a mechanism of defining themes and justifications. This is especially revealing in times of violence, such as with Israeli and Palestinian attacks during Operation Cast Lead in Winter 2009. Attacks on both sides come in the wake of resonating criticism, especially concerning a lack of defense for Palestinians. Through the study of official statements by former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Yediot Ahronot and Haaretz newspaper articles, this book explores how Israeli media and official discourse is utilized to formulate respective identities in this critical time period. The analysis of discourse revealed that media and official discourse create negative identity markers for Palestinians, positive identity markers for Israelis, and prevent Israel from developing a discourse of responsibility in the conflict situation.