zeit.de
Far-Right Flag March in Jerusalem Highlights Growing Extremism
Thousands of Israeli nationalists, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, marched in Jerusalem on Monday, celebrating the 1967 conquest of East Jerusalem with anti-Arab chants and provocations; police largely did not intervene in reported attacks on Palestinians and journalists.
- How does Itamar Ben-Gvir's political trajectory and past actions contribute to the rise of far-right extremism in Israel?
- Ben-Gvir's presence and the police inaction during the flag march highlight the growing influence of far-right extremism in Israel. His past convictions for incitement to racism and support of a terrorist organization, along with his role in the current government, demonstrate the normalization of such ideologies within the political system. This event showcases how a minority group, empowered by its political influence, can actively undermine the rights and safety of the majority.
- What were the immediate consequences of the flag march in Jerusalem, considering the participation of far-right figures and the reported police inaction?
- Thousands of Israeli nationalists, mainly radical settlers from the West Bank, participated in a flag march in Jerusalem, celebrating the 1967 conquest of East Jerusalem with anti-Arab chants and provocations. Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right politician and National Security Minister, was present and celebrated by the crowd. Many Palestinian residents were confined to their homes while the police largely did not intervene in assaults on Palestinians and journalists.
- What are the long-term implications of the unchecked rise of far-right extremism in Israel, considering the potential for a 'tyranny of the minority' as described by Levitsky and Ziblatt?
- The unchecked actions of the flag march participants, coupled with the police inaction, suggest a potential trajectory toward a tyranny of the minority in Israel. Ben-Gvir's consolidation of power within the police force raises serious concerns about the protection of Palestinian rights and the future stability of the region. This event serves as a warning sign of the potential erosion of democratic norms.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes Ben-Gvir's extremism and his potential to lead Israel toward a 'tyranny of the minority.' The headline and introduction immediately highlight his controversial actions and associates, setting a negative tone. While the article provides some background information on Ben-Gvir's past, the overall emphasis is on his threat to Israeli democracy. This framing could lead readers to perceive Ben-Gvir as the primary driver of conflict, potentially overlooking other contributing factors.
Language Bias
The article uses strong, emotionally charged language such as "menschenfeindlichen Provokationen" (inhuman provocations), "aufgepeitschten Männer" (inflamed men), and "Rechtsextremist" (far-right extremist). While accurately describing the events, this language lacks neutrality and could influence readers' perceptions. More neutral alternatives could include descriptions focusing on specific actions rather than loaded adjectives. For example, instead of "inflamed men", the article could describe their behavior: "men shouting slogans and engaging in provocative actions.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Itamar Ben-Gvir and his supporters, but omits perspectives from Palestinian residents beyond their observation of the events. Counter-narratives or analyses from Palestinian leaders or organizations are absent, potentially leaving out crucial context and alternative interpretations of the Flag March and its significance. The article mentions police inaction during attacks on Palestinians and journalists, but does not include details of any investigations or official responses to these allegations.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a dichotomy between Ben-Gvir's supporters and Palestinian residents, with little exploration of the complex political and historical realities fueling the conflict. Nuances within Israeli society regarding Ben-Gvir's actions are largely absent. The portrayal of the situation is simplified into a conflict between a radical minority and the majority, neglecting internal divisions and diverse opinions within both communities.
Gender Bias
The article does not explicitly focus on gender, but the description of the event predominantly features men. While women are mentioned as being present among Palestinian residents observing the event from the rooftops, the article primarily uses male pronouns when describing participants and doesn't delve into gender dynamics or potential gendered impacts of the events. This lack of gender analysis might unintentionally reinforce a skewed perception.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the actions of Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right politician, and his impact on peace and justice in Israel. His incitement to racism, past convictions, and current role in government threaten the stability of the region and undermine efforts towards peaceful coexistence. The lack of police intervention during attacks on Palestinians and journalists further exacerbates the situation and points to a failure of institutions to uphold justice and protect minority rights. This directly threatens SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, specifically target 16.1 which aims to significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.