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MONTH OF MAY
MAY 3 CATEGORY
News article: Israelis Raze Gaza Homes
Washington Post (Keith Richburg)
IMAGING
incursion into land ceded to the Palestinians under the terms of the 1993 Oslo peace INACCURATE
accords.
Under the terms of the Oslo Accords, territories are not “ceded,” but placed under
various stages of control – from joint control to Palestinian control, until such times
as the final status agreement is signed. The purpose of the incremental approach is to
determine whether or not security against violence and terrorism can be maintained
under Palestinian control. Israeli incursions into Palestinian “controlled” territories
have become necessary, since Arafat has failed to provide the necessary security.
Erroneously stating that Israeli incursions are into land “ceded” to the Palestinians –
land that is already theirs, creates a distorted image of Israel aggressively and
provocatively crossing the border of a sovereign entity.
IMAGING
efforts. OPINION
DISTORTION
The actual quote from Philip Reeker, a State Department spokesman: “actions such
as Israeli incursions into Palestinian-controlled areas – undermine efforts to diffuse
the situation.”
The original statement by the State Department has been rewritten and mischaracterized
by the journalist. “undermine” is not “condemned” and “undermine efforts to diffuse
the situation” is not “undermine peace efforts.” Through words, the journalist is here
offering his own opinion that creates a distorted image of a “condemned” Israel under-
mining peace.
MAY 3 (continued) CATEGORY
The State Department spokesman had correctly identified the land as Palestinian-
controlled areas rather than “land ceded to the Palestinians,” as previously noted
by the journalist in the earlier portion of the article.
IMAGING
appeared Israelis were settling in for reoccupation of lands ceded to Yasser Arafat’s DISTORTION
Palestinian Authority. There have been three other brief incursions into Palestinian OPINION
held territory.
“Reoccupation” – “lands ceded to Yasser Arafat” – “Palestinian held territory”
all paint a clear image of the journalist’s opinion, that Israel wants to reoccupy
land that now belongs to another national entity. It is a provocative distortion placed
in the news section of the Courant, where news should be reported objectively.
IMAGING
and the army.”
“Gunmen” may be the appropriate description for those that use lethal weapons
against the military. However, shooting and throwing mortars at innocent people
who are not in the military, but live in areas that at best would be considered disputed
land, are actions of terrorists. Only this word, terrorist, conveys the horror and evil of
such heinous action. Victims are no less a victim if they dwell in disputed areas.
Characterizing terrorists as gunmen is a blatant attempt to sanitize the deliberate
murder of innocent civilians.
MAY 7
News article: Pope Reaches Out To Islam
Los Angeles Times (Richard Boudreaux)
The only negative comment reported in the lengthy news article came from Syria’s OMISSION
Mufti, Sheik Ahmad Kuftaro, who condemned Israeli “atrocities and oppression.”
The Courant did not report the virulent anti-Israel/anti-Jewish remarks of
MAY 7 (continued) CATEGORY
Syria’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Muhammed Ziyadah that were reported in
The New York Times on May 7, who said:
“We must be fully aware of what the enemies of God and malicious Zionism conspire to
commit against Christianity and Islam” – that echoed language used by President
Basher al-Assad on Saturday who reviled those (Jews) “who try to kill the principals
of all religions with the same mentality with which they betrayed Jesus Christ.”
On the same day, the New York Times further reported:
A front page editorial (today) in Al Thawra called Israelis “enemies of God and faith.”
A second New York Times article on the same day reported:
Israeli soldiers entered Palestinian controlled territory here (Beit Jalla) – was an effort
to silence shooting at its positions – Taber Abu Srur, whose house was struck by two shells,
insisted that it was the Israelis who fired first today. But Nasser Barmil said “Palestinian
gunmen shooting from the area were putting local residents at risk. We said to the fighters,
‘don’t shoot from here, don’t shoot near the houses’ – but no one listens to us.”
This revealing information in the Times, which gives an accurate account that OMISSION
refutes the condemnation directed at Israel for killing innocent Palestinians, was
not reported in the Courant.
MAY 8
News article: Amid Rubble, A Prayer
Washington Post (Harold Schneider)
IMAGING
The use of the words “alleged involvement” implies doubt. A more accurate
characterization would have been to identify Syria as one of the countries on the U.S.
State Department list of states supporting terrorism.
MAY 8 (continued) CATEGORY
INACCURATE
damaged when Israeli occupation forces pulled out of Kuneitra 27 years ago. – Many DISTORTION
of Kuneitra’s buildings were flattened in what the United Nations concluded was a
deliberate campaign of destruction.
The implication that Israel was responsible for a “deliberate campaign of destruction” OMISSION
is absolutely false. Kuneitra served as a major Syrian command center until the 1967
war. An accurate report about Syria’s role in such destruction appeared in the New
York Times:
(Kuneitra)” (New York Times - June 25, 1970)
November 26, 1972).
It must be noted that the many one-sided United Nations resolutions and statements against
Israel have little credibility. Their track record of anti-Israel bias is irrefutable.
OMISSION
agricultural development – when it (Israel) seized the Golan Heights – pointing IMAGING
to the remains of her childhood home Selua Hamati said, “We dream of coming back
to our land”.
Selua Hamati’s “dream” creates an image of Israel ruthlessly seizing land. The
term “seized” suggests an aggressive and wanton action by Israel.
There is no mention that Israel took possession of the Golan Heights in a defensive
war in 1967, that followed 19 years of ruthless and relentless shelling of Israeli farms
and towns from Syrian’s military bunkers dug into the Golan Heights. Nor is there
mention that Syria rejected Israel’s recent offer of great risk, to return virtually all
the Golan Heights for a peace treaty with Syria.
MAY 8 (continued) CATEGORY
IMAGING
the apostle reputedly lowered him to the street in a basket so he could flee local Jews
angered by his proselytizing.
This is a story of dubious authenticity. It demonizes Jews and adds nothing to the
news report.
MAY 9
News article: Sharon Vows to Continue Jewish Settlements
Rejects Finding of U.S.-Led Panel
Knight Ridder Newspapers (Barbara Demick)
IMAGING
angrily rejected the notion, saying violence must stop without preconditions – Sharon’s OPINION
hard line on settlements – trying to rein in Israel.
“defiant” – “rebuff” – “angrily” – are words reflecting the journalist’s opinion – a
form of editorializing that creates an image that negatively mischaracterizes the
remarks. In fact, the headline use of the word “vows,” not “defiant,” and “rejects”
not “sharp rebuff,” belies the negative characterization.
In a subsequent portion of the news article: “(Sharon) saying the violence must stop
without preconditions” is not the same as “angrily rejected.” Characterizing Sharon’s
views on settlements with negative imaging adjectives is further enhanced by
identifying Sharon’s position as “hard line.”
“Rein in Israel” sounds like “reining in” Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other Arab terrorist
organizations. These are words frequently used in pressuring Arafat to rein in terrorists.
The journalist’s use of the phrase “rein in Israel” is an insult to Israel.
MAY 9 (continued) CATEGORY
- The absence of a headline clarification, that continuing Jewish settlements only HEADLINE
- The U.S.-led commission headed by former Sen. George Mitchell – called for a freeze
on settlement building. OMISSION
There is no mention that the Mitchell Report suggestion of a freeze on settlements
is only one of many “confidence building” measures that will be offered by both
sides. Nor is there mention that “confidence building” must follow “cessation of
violence.”
- It is the overwhelming consensus in the international community that the settlements
violate the Geneva Convention. NO REBUTTAL
OPINION
INACCURATE
In the absence of verification that there is an “overwhelming consensus in the
international community” – and it is doubtful that such a statistical consensus exists,
it is simply the journalist’s opinion. There is no rebuttal from Israel or international
legal sources to the unverified and inaccurate allegation. Article 49 of the Fourth
Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War,
August 12, 1949, states, “Individual or mass forcible transfers from occupied territory
or that of any other country. . .are prohibited.”
In the sixth paragraph –“ the occupying power shall not deport or transfer parts of its
own civilian population into the territories it occupies.”
Under article 2, the Convention pertains only to “cases of. . .occupation of the territory of
a High Contracting Party by another such party.” – a lawful, recognized sovereign entity.
MAY 9 (continued) CATEGORY
Article 49 of the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention was intended to outlaw the Nazi
practice of forcibly transporting populations into or out of occupied territories to death
and work camps. Obviously this does not apply to Israeli settlements. Israelis were not
forcibly transferred. Besides, the West Bank and Gaza were never the territory of a
“High Contracting Party” – a lawful/recognized sovereignty. Israeli settlements are
indeed lawful and in accordance with the Fourth Geneva Convention. (See May 10th news
article for additional information.)
MAY 10
New article: Israel Weeps for Two Teens. IMAGING
Bludgeoning Deaths in West Bank Blamed on Palestinians, DISTORTION
Who are Mourning Their Own Dead.
Combined Wire Services
- Palestinian officials condemned the killings – Police (Israeli) blamed Palestinians – Saeb
The photo and the main subject of the article deal with the brutal beating to death of
two Israeli boys. The caption under the photo and an additional picture tells of a
Palestinian boy “who was killed by Israeli soldiers during clashes near Kanri crossing,”
and the text accuses both the Palestinians and Israelis for the killings. This creates a
distorted image of equivalence. Comparing the deliberate murder of innocent Israeli
boys to the unintentional killing of a Palestinian boy during clashes between Israel and
Palestinians is a false and immoral equivalence.
- 500 deaths, most of them Palestinians –
This repetitive distortion is particularly grievous, as it detracts from the focus of the
article, the deliberate brutal murder of two innocent teenagers. (See May 19 article
on death counts.)
MAY 10 (continued) CATEGORY
- In one of the many West Bank settlements much of the world regards as illegal under
International law – OPINION
UNVERIFIED
INACCURATE
No rebuttal or response from Israeli sources. Nor was there verification that
international law considers settlements illegal. In fact, there is no international law
that prohibits Israel from building settlements. Professor Julius Stowe, a prominent
authority on international law, stated in 1980, that designating Israeli settlements as
illegal was a “subversion. . .of basic international law principles.” The Reagan
administration and subsequent administrations, although they disapproved the
building of new settlements, declared that settlements were not illegal. The journalist’s
sweeping statement that “much of the world” regards “settlements as illegal under
international law” is opinion that has no verifiable foundation.
Later in the news article, senior Palestinian Minister Saeb Ereket, hardly objective,
repeated the false assertion that “settlements violate international law.”
(See May 9th news article for additional information on the legality of settlements.)
MAY 12
News article: Israelis Bulldoze Palestinian Homes
Associated Press (Jamie Araby)
- “Israeli bulldozer – Israeli troops – Israeli tanks...”
DISTORTION
- [Palestinian] “pipe bombs – mortar attacks – hand grenades”
OMISSION
The source of violence against Israelis is unidentified. Although we assume they are
Palestinians, if the reader quickly scans through the article the name Israel and
violence sub-consciously come together. Not so, the Palestinian and violence. Many
readers just look at headlines and may or may not scan the text. A headline that
MAY 12 (continued) CATEGORY
reads: “Israelis Bulldoze Palestinian Homes” and a subheadline of (Israeli) “incursions
into the West Bank and Gaza,” both without offering a reason for such action, creates
an image of Israel as the aggressor. There are three words buried in the text of the
article that offers a reason for the incursions – “achieving security goals.” Security goals
against what? The words, protecting innocent civilians against Palestinian terrorist
attacks, do not appear in the article. There is no explanation in the headline, subheadline
or text as to why “Israelis Bulldoze Palestinian Homes.” Perhaps they were homes
without building permits. Obviously, the well-informed reader knows the reason – the
homes were used by known terrorists. The uninformed headline reader and scanner will
come to the conclusion that Israel is a mean spirited aggressor acting without justification.
MAY 14
News article: Israel Not Taking Heat for Raids
Washington Post (Lee Hockstader)
- With hardly a protest from Western governments, the Israeli army has begun a campaign
of quick, destructive and sometimes lethal raids into territories held by Yasser Arafat’s IMAGING
Palestinian Authority.
The headline and the above first paragraph of the news article is an editorial opinion.
“Not Taking Heat” and “hardly a protest from western governments” clearly expresses
the journalist’s personal thoughts that Israel should be “taking heat” and Western
governments should protest.
MAY 15
News article: “Briefs” – Middle East
- Massive (Palestinian) demonstrations are planned to mark the anniversary of the birth
of Israel – (which they) lament as the Nakba, their “catastrophe.”
MAY 15 (continued) CATEGORY
There is no mention that the demonstration is in direct contradiction to the peaceful
co-existence agreed to in Oslo.
MAY 16
News article: Israel’s 53rd Anniversary Marked by Violence
Los Angeles Times (Wilkinson and Curtius)
- A day of national mourning to mark decades of exile.
There is no mention of the events that led to the alleged exile. The Arab world OMISSION
rejected the United Nations 1947 partition plan that would have established a DISTORTION
Palestinian state. Instead they mounted a military campaign against the newly
independent Jewish state. Most Arabs fled, being assured they would be able to
return after the victorious Arab armies destroyed Israel. Those that fled became
refugees and remained in refugee camps. Neighboring Arab states refused to accept
them, as Israel accepted and welcomed approximately the same number of Jewish
refugees who fled from the same Arab states. The Arab refugee status was used as a
propaganda tool against Israel. This event, “National mourning,” incites hatred against
the very existence of Israel and is a violation of the foundation of the Oslo Accords that
calls for peaceful co-existence and the discontinuance of hateful incitement.
- When more than 700,000 Palestinians were displaced from their ancestral homes and
cast into a diaspora. . . OPINION
INACCURACY
This distorted opinion that Israel “displaced” and “cast” Palestinians into a diaspora
is a falsehood. Many Palestinians remained and became citizens of Israel. Others chose
to leave, hoping to avoid being caught in a military crossfire of a war initiated by the
Arab states that promised them a safe return to their homes after the Jews were driven
into the sea.
MAY 16 (continued) CATEGORY
- Reporters – said Israeli snipers appeared to be picking off demonstrators in the crowd.
OPINION
“Appeared to be picking” is unverified opinion that creates an egregiously false image IMAGING
of Israel targetting “demonstrators” who were simply protesting.
- An Israeli woman was killed – shot by gunmen.
The word “gunmen” sanitizes terrorists who murder innocent civilians.
- Despite the enormous emotional content of this anniversary, Nakba or “catastrophe” –
Arafat flew to Egypt leaving behind a taped national address. Arafat said, Israel’s OMISSION
“blind military might” will bring neither peace nor Palestinian capitulation. DISTORTION
In the absence of a rebuttal, Arafat is made to look like a peacemaker. This
distortion makes no mention that Arafat incites, supports violence, freed known
suicide bombers, and has not acted to halt mortar attacks, sniping, and other acts
of terrorism.
- The issue of Palestinian refugees and their offspring – more than 4 million people –
what they regard as their right to return home became a deal-breaker in peace OMISSION
negotiations. . . UNVERIFIED
Where did the number 4 million come from? Without verification, the number is
assumed to be the opinion of the journalist. Although an outline of Israeli thinking
is offered, there is no mention of the critical issue of who is responsible for the refugee
problem. (Please refer to an earlier comment on Arab refugees.)
Nor is there mention that the “deal breaker” in negotiations may not have been the
refugees. Numerous speeches and video tapes by Arafat to his own people clearly
implies that his ultimate goal is to destroy the state of Israel and create a Palestinian
state from Jordan to the Mediterranean. The Palestinian “right of return” would have
been a stepping stone to achieving this goal.
MAY 16 (continued) CATEGORY
- Arafat said – (Israeli) “Executions continue to walk through puddles of our blood with
their military escalation and siege of our towns.”
These inventive, inflammatory words have no factual basis.
- Several Arab members of Israel’s Knesset marched at the head of a crowd waving
Palestinian flags and chanting, “We’re going to Jerusalem! Revenge! Revenge!” OMISSION
There is no rebuttal to explain that although treasonous words of this nature would
not be tolerated by other nations, particularly in the Middle East, yet Israel,
surrounded by a hostile Arab world that seeks its destruction, permits freedom of
speech and due process.
MAY 17
News article: Israel Admits Killing Policeman in Ambush
Los Angeles Times (Tracy Wilkinson)
- The operation and its results raised more questions about the military tactics employed
by Israel in its so-far unsuccessful attempt to halt a raging Palestinian uprising – right- OMISSION
wing Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has given Israeli forces a freer hand to initiate IMAGING
offensive strikes. . .more aggressive. . .executed the wrong prey. . . DISTORTION
In the absence of who “raised more questions,” it is assumed to be the writer’s opinion.
The opinion is further extended to include the wording, “in its so-far unsuccessful
attempt”. . . “initiate offensive strikes”. . . “more aggressive “. . . “executed wrong
prey” . . . and “right wing – Ariel Sharon”. With imaging words and distortion, the
writer has created, rather than reported news. There is no mention that Israel has a
responsibility to defend and protect innocent Israeli civilians from murderous terrorist
attacks. Israel’s action of targeting those responsible for organizing and participating
in terrorism is a defensive action, not “offensive.” Regretfully, Israel erred in properly
identifying the terrorist. There is no mention, however, that on the previous day
Israeli Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Shaul Mofaz said, “the raid had not attained the
MAY 17 (continued) CATEGORY
intended results – it would be investigated and that Israel would acknowledge a mistake
if one had been made” – in fact, they did so acknowledge.
Israel is not “executing,” they’re defending themselves. “Wrong prey” is classic double
speak. Innocent Israeli civilians are the prey and the Palestinian terrorists are the
predators. The label “right wing” rounds out the writer’s opinion that Israel, not
the terrorists, are the aggressors. Lastly, the journalist’s opinion, that so far Israel’s
attempt to halt a “raging Palestinian uprising” is “unsuccessful” is naive and without
merit. Killing an organizer of terror today will reduce future terrorist attacks. The
process is slow and incremental.
MAY 19
News article: Bombing Intensified Mideast Violence
Washington Post (Lee Hockstader)
- The headline is misleading, treating both the perpetrator and victim equally. HEADLINE
blew himself up at a mall in Netanya, killing 5 and wounding 100 Israeli civilians.
In contrast, the New York Times headline correctly reads, “Suicide Bomber Kills 5;
Israel Retaliates in Jet Strikes.” Normally, a major suicide bombing attack is
accompanied by a photo showing the victims that were blown apart. There was no
such photo.
- Israel retaliated swiftly and ferociously.
How does the writer know how “ferocious” the attack was. It’s an opinion.
- The day’s violence dramatized anew a steady open-ended escalation – particularly
since Ariel Sharon became Israeli prime minister – by introducing the U.S. made fighter OMISSION
planes – Israel elevated violence yet again.
MAY 19 (continued) CATEGORY
“Violence” – “escalation” – “Sharon” – “Israel elevated violence yet again.”
All this negative imaging associates violence with Sharon and Israel. There is no
mention that Ariel Sharon was elected prime minister in a landslide – a response from
the Israeli electorate to former Prime Minister Barak’s overreaching concessions at
Camp David. This was followed by Arafat’s rejection of a Palestinian state on virtually
all of the West Bank and Gaza, and then the unleashing of massive lethal violence against
Israel. Prime Minister Sharon has a mandate from the people to protect their lives
against terrorism.
- Despite more intense violence – no sign that either side has been shocked into concessions
to revive peace negotiations – both sides issued strident condemnations. DISTORTION
OPINION
To equate the predator who commits murderous terrorism to the innocent victim is to
create an equivalence that is immoral. The writer editorializes objective news reporting
and ignores the lessons of recent history – that extraordinary Israeli concessions during
the Oslo process only increased the Palestinian appetite for more violence and terrorism.
- In response to the suicide bombing in Netanya that killed five and wounded one IMAGING
Condemning attacks on civilians, “be it Palestinian or Israelis”
This is a disingenuous image of caring about the murder of innocent Israeli civilians.
- 34 people died – 26 Palestinians
The frequent reporting of the death breakdown count without an explanation raises
a concern, that the reader can incorrectly assume that Israel is responsible for the
disproportionate death count.
In comparing death counts, there is no mention or explanation that Israeli deaths
are either victims of terrorism, those who are killed in exchange of fire with
Palestinians, or innocent civilians caught in a crossfire.
MAY 19 (continued) CATEGORY
The Palestinian death count consists of terrorists who have died committing or
attempting to commit murder, organizers of terrorism being rooted out of their
residential operational areas, and those who are killed in exchange of fire with
Israeli soldiers. Unfortunately, some innocent Palestinians who live in these
residential areas are unintentional victims.
During the current “War on Terrorism,” be it Israeli’s or America’s war, where the
enemy is elusive, there will be an unavoidable disproportionate death count.
- Reacting to bloodletting, Israelis and Palestinians on the streets said the only way to
deal with their enemies was to kill as many of them as possible – Shlomo Gerrish, an OMISSION
Israeli in Netanya who saw the aftermath of the suicide attack – said – “kill them UNBALANCED
all” – they’re not human.” In Ramallah some Palestinians celebrated and sang in the
streets at the news of the suicide bombing – Ibraham Salah, a Palestinian in Tulkharm,
home of the suicide bomber said, “our friends, our parents, our children are killed
everyday by the Israelis – we don’t know what else to do.”
Again the journalist paints a distorted vision of equivalence. There is no mention
that the killing of innocent Israelis by Palestinians is deliberate, whereas the killing
of Palestinians by Israelis is selective. Israel targets the perpetrators of terrorism and
returns fire when attacked. Unfortunately, in the process, innocent civilians have been
unintentionally killed. The journalist is silent, and does not make this important
distinction.
The Israeli “on the streets – only way to deal with their enemies,” is the single emotional
voice of Shlomo Gerrish who witnessed the carnage in the aftermath of the suicide bomber’s
attack. The writer’s Palestinian equivalence, that only “some,” rather than many, “sang in
the streets,” combined with Ibraham Selah’s “our friends, parents, and children are killed,”
creates an immoral image that equates Israel’s unintentional killings with the Palestinians’
intentional killings.
MAY 19 (continued) CATEGORY
- The New York Times on May 19 ran a major article on the front page with a large photo.
The explosives – hurling bodies into the air – with bodies lying under blankets and baby OMISSION
stroller overturned. One of the smallest victims, 5 year old Sasha Zagoikin writhed in
agony, screaming for his mother. His face had been chewed by shrapnel, his jawbone and
collarbone were broken.
Neither a photo or description of the carnage was reported in the Courant.
MAY 20
News article: Mideast Slides Closer to All-Out War
Combined Wire Services
- Arab and international leaders reacted with outrage and concern to Israel’s retaliatory
air strikes with F-16 war planes the day before.
There is no rebuttal or response from Israel reported by the journalist. In Israel’s
“War on terrorism” how else does a nation respond to terrorism?
- “Israel retaliates with F-16 war planes
reach a balance of terror with people who are ready to sacrifice themselves” – Hussan IMAGING
Kader-Fatah. By unleashing fighter jets against population centers, Israel, the Middle DISTORTION
East mightiest army, escalated its attempts to crush a bloody Palestinian revolt – OMISSION
aerial bombardment – serviced as a salve for anxious Israelis – hawk Ariel Sharon –
aggressive military tactics such as F-16 bombardments.
Rather than report news objectively, the writer is shamelessly offering his biased
opinion, and creating word imaging. . . “Unleash” jets in “population centers” –
“mightiest army” – “escalating” – “hawk Ariel Sharon” – bombardment as “salve”
for anxious Israelis. The underlying false message – Israel uses unjustified brutal
“aggressive military tactics.” There is no mention that Arafat unleashed deadly violence
and terrorist attacks in September, 2000, after rejecting Israel’s offer at Camp David,
MAY 20 (continued) CATEGORY
which would have given the Palestinians a state on virtually all of the West Bank and
Gaza. Israel’s response to the murderous attacks is to selectively target the organizers
and perpetrators of terrorism and their infracture, just as America is doing in its war on
terrorism. Nor is there mention that the terrorists that Israel is seeking live and hide in
“population centers.”
- Palestinians who have endured the brunt of death, destruction and economic deprivation.
Again, there is no mention that the initiators of violence and terrorism against Israel
are the Palestinians. Their leader, Arafat, must bear the “brunt” of responsibility for
their “death, destruction, and economic deprivation.” Nor is there mention in this
segment of the news article of the death and sacrifice of innocent Israelis .
- Meanwhile, ignoring a U.S. plea for an unconditional cease-fire, Israel on Saturday
again pounded West Bank towns.
Has Arafat agreed to an unconditional cease fire? The writer’s one-sided reference
to Israel is unbalanced.
MAY 22
News article: U.S. Endorses Mideast Plan
Los Angeles Times (Mary Curtius)
- Both Powell and the Mitchell Commission called for a resumption of Israeli-Palestinian
peace talks, which collapsed last year after the failed Camp David Summit presided DISTORTION
over by President Clinton.
Not mentioning the reason for the failed Camp David Summit distorts the critical
element of the current lethal violence and the subsequent development of the Mitchell
Commission. Arafat rejected the concessions offered by former Prime Minister Ehud
Barak, that would have created a Palestinian state on virtually all of the West Bank
and Gaza. Arafat abruptly left Camp David and then proceeded to unleash lethal
MAY 22 (continued) CATEGORY
violence, with terrorism as its centerpiece. There is no mention that the resumption
of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations is the last stage of the Mitchell Commission
report.
MAY 23
News article: After Eight Months of Violence, Sharon Calls for Truce
Knight Ridder (Nomi Morris)
- The headline is misleading. It leads one to believe that after eight months of Israeli HEADLINE
been modified to clearly identify the initiator of violence.
- Jibrel Rajoub, chief of Palestinian security services in the West Bank, said Israel must
stop construction of Jewish settlements, remove restrictions of Palestinians in West Bank
and Gaza and stop firing on Palestinians before he would crack down on Palestinian
militants. “We are ready to accept our part. But the first step should come from the
Israelis.”
There is no rebuttal or response from Israel. Although Palestinians initiated lethal
violence and various forms of terrorism, is it Israel that should be the first to stop?
Moreover, under the Oslo Accords, Arafat pledged the cessation of violence in settling
issues.
- Palestinian and Israeli leaders stuck to entrenched positions, making a show of endorsing
the American initiative but demanding that the other side act first.
“Making a show” is an opinion. Linking both Palestinians and Israelis is an
inappropriate equivalence. The logic of Israel going first fails, as previously
explained. In fact, Sharon had unilaterally declared a “cease fire.”
- Palestinian commentators condemned Sharon’s statement – Saeb Erekat called it
“a publicity stunt” – Erekat and other Palestinian leaders said they considered UNBALANCED
MAY 23 (continued) CATEGORY
Mitchell’s formula to be a freeze on Jewish settlements in exchange for a cease INACCURATE
fire – something polls show about 60 percent of Israelis endorse. DISTORTION
The Palestinian statements are unbalanced. There is no Israeli rebuttal to the
falsehood, that a freeze on Jewish settlements would be in exchange for a cease-fire.
This lie was left unchallenged. The Mitchell Report clearly outlines a procedural
sequence. The first step being an announced cease fire, followed by a cooling off
period, and then confidence building measures from both sides that could include
freezing of settlements.
There is no identification as to the name of the pollster nor the precise questions of the
alleged poll. If in fact the question was precisely as outlined above, the poll based on an
erroneous assumption would be inaccurate.
- Mitchell’s report has polarized the Israeli public – between peace seeking doves and
nationalist or religious hawks. INACCURATE
IMAGING
The journalist’s opinion, implying that only “doves” seek peace, is absolutely false.
All Israelis seek peace. They differ only in how best to achieve this elusive goal.
- The last
Yossi Sarid of the Meretz Party and “activists” from Peace Now – two groups from
Israel’s far left. There is no balancing statement from the Israel center or right.
MAY 23
News article: Israel Tells Army to Withhold Fire Unless in Danger –
Step Toward a Cease Fire.
New York Times
- In contrast with the Courant’s misleading headlines, the New York Times focuses on HEADLINE
“withhold fire unless in danger.”
MAY 23 (continued) CATEGORY
- Each side says the Americans and the Europeans should press the other. Without such
pressure, the Israelis believe the Palestinians will not re-arrest Islamic militants or rein in
security forces involved in attacks on Israelis – the Palestinians believe that Israel must be
pressed firmly on the issue of settlements.
The balance of opinion from both sides reported in the New York Times did not appear
in the Courant, which omitted the Israeli position.
- Mr. Sharon said tonight that he was encouraged that General Powell had not explicitly
linked the settlement issue and the cease-fire.
This information was not published in the Courant. Instead, the Courant reported:
Some U.S. officials also hope that the violence and the Mitchell Report kindle growing public
and political opposition inside Israel to Sharon’s tactics.
MAY 25
News article: Israelis Attack Civilian Plane
- The headline is misleading. It does not follow the text of the news article. HEADLINE
tense border (Israel). The Israeli military – had been on high alert for possible attacks
by Hezbollah.
A more accurate Headline would have been “Lebanese Plane Violates Israel’s
Border”
MAY 28 CATEGORY
Political cartoon
The cartoon shows endless alternating Arab and Israeli gravestones, with identical INACCURATE
inscriptions: “Killed in Retaliation for his Death,” and an arrow pointing to the next
gravestone. The stones go back endlessly to no beginning.
But there is a beginning. The very first stone should have been an Israeli gravestone.
It would have an inscription: “First Death by Palestinian Terrorist”
MAY 30
News Article: Settler From U.S. Killed In Mideast
Newsday (Mathew McAllester)
- Neither the headline or subheadline explains how or by whom the U.S. settler was HEADLINE
“Settler from U.S. killed by Terrorist” would have been a more appropriate headline.
- (Israel) accepted bids for the construction of 700 homes in West Bank settlements. The
announcement came days after an international commission (Mitchell) called for Israel OMISSION
to cease building of settlements.
The due date announcements for large building project bids are made several weeks
prior to bid acceptance. The due date for bid acceptance could very well have been days
after the Mitchell Report. Besides, accepting bids is not construction. Therefore, the
implication that Israel deliberately and arrogantly ignored the Mitchell Report within
“days” is a gross distortion.
There is no mention that Prime Minister Sharon had announced the acceptance of the
Mitchell Report with a clarification – that although he will not build new settlements,
natural growth and expansion of existing settlements will be allowed. Nor is there mention
that the Mitchell Report clearly states that after an announced cease fire by both parties,
there would be a cooling off period – a period of no violence. That would then be followed
MAY 30 (continued) CATEGORY
by confidence building measures from both Israel and the Palestinians, that could
include a settlement freeze.
- A car passed them from behind and gunman fired a volley - Blaustein, 53, and another
woman were killed.
Again, a terrorist commits murder, and the action is sanitized. He’s merely a “gunman”
who “killed” two women, and not a terrorist who murdered innocent civilians.
MAY 31
OP-ED: Palestinians Are Decidedly Of This World
Stanley Heller
- “there are people who not only identify with our continent or even planet Earth, rather
they seem to be from another galaxy, a completely different world” - Moshe Katzav. OMISSION
It was clear then, confirmed and clarified by President Katzav, that the “people” he
referred to are “terrorists” and not Palestinians as a people. It is inconceivable that
any President of Israel would make such a sweeping public statement condemning all
Palestinians. Mr. Heller uses the Moshe Katzav event as a springboard to bash Israel
with lies and distortions totally unrelated to Mr. Katzav’s remarks.
- American power elite have a soft spot for Israeli politicians.
There is no mention that U.S. support for Israel is based on shared democratic
institutions and values. They share similar struggles with Islamic terrorism, and
collaborate on critical intelligence, military and economic development.
MAY 31 (continued) CATEGORY
- The Israeli political position (Likud) openly believes Palestinians must be intimidated and
ruled with force.
The allegations are false. The Likud party does not believe that Palestinians must be
“ruled with force.” However, there may be a consensus that Israel’s response to
repeated terrorism must be forceful.
- Close the territories - ban movement of Palestinian laborers - deploying troops...”
There is no mention that the purpose of closing territories is to prevent infiltration of
terrorists that murder innocent civilians.
- Israeli soldiers and settlers – recklessly or deliberately killed hundreds of Palestinians
who were in no way threatening any Israeli’s life – Just the week before Katsav’s remark, UNVERIFIED
an Israeli tank shot a shell into a house and ended the life of a 4-month-old. INACCURATE
OMISSION
The unsubstantiated allegation that hundreds of Palestinians were “recklessly or
deliberately killed” is an egregious falsehood. There is no mention, that to be able
to root out terrorists that hide and operate in residential areas, innocent Palestinians
will unfortunately be killed. Nor is there mention that Israel targets terrorists and
their infrastructure.
- force on the scale of ‘48, with major massacres and hundreds of thousands of refugees.
OMISSION
DISTORTION
The allegation of “major massacres” is without verification or specifics. There is no
mention that the newly founded state of Israel was brutally attacked by Egypt, Syria,
and Jordan for the sole purpose of driving Israel “into the sea.” Nor is there mention
that Palestinians were encouraged by the invading Arab armies to temporarily leave and
MAY 31 (continued) CATEGORY
then return after Israel is destroyed. Nor is there mention of the barbaric behavior of
the Jordanians who destroyed and desecrated Jewish places of worship and sacred
gravestones of the ancient Mt. of Olives cemetery in Jerusalem.
- At every stage - Israeli forces responsible for increasing the level of violence. The uprising
started last September when, in response to stone throwing, police shot to death four OMISSION
Palestinians at Al-Aksa Mosque. DISTORTION
There is no substantiation to the allegations. In fact, it’s absolutely false. Nor is there
mention that Palestinians initiate violence and terrorism and Israel responds by rooting
out terrorists and the organizers of terrorism that claim responsibility for the murder
of innocent civilians. The allegation that the “uprising” - more accurately described as
lethal violence – was in response to stone throwing, and the death of four Palestinians,
is an egregious lie. The lethal violence was planned by Arafat after rejecting an
incredible offer by Prime Minister Barak at Camp David. That offer would have given
the Palestinians a state of their own on virtually all of the West Bank and Gaza.
- When Palestinians also took up guns – the
toxic tear gas and jet fighters – they’ve closed off every Palestinian town and city – OMISSION
INACCURATE
Any nation when attacked, will use whatever appropriate weapons are necessary to
defend themselves and drive back the attacker. The implication that Israel uses jet
fighters and other heavy equipment to indiscriminately kill is an insidious distortion.
To further imply that whenever Palestinians “took up guns” Israel “closed off every
Palestinian town and city” is disingenuous. Israel closes off its territories to protect
its people from major terrorist attacks, such as suicide bombings, where innocent
Israelis are blown apart.
- Israel is an occupying power, ordered by the U.N. Security to leave lands it conquered
30 years ago. OMISSION
MAY 31 (continued) CATEGORY
There is no mention that Israel captured, not “conquered” the territories in a defensive
war (1967), that included the West Bank – territories that Jordan had illegally taken
possession of in the 1948 war against the newly founded state of Israel. Israel then
assumed the role of administering the territories. The U.N. resolution referred to
relinquishing territories – not all territories, in exchange for secure and defensible
borders. The peace agreement would be negotiated by both parties. The allegation
that the U.N. ordered Israel to leave the land is false.
Nor is there mention that Arafat rejected Israel’s offer at Camp David that would have
given the Palestinians a state on virtually all of the West Bank and Gaza. The so-called
distorted label, “occupying power,” would then no longer exist. Instead, Arafat broke off
negotiations at Camp David and unleashed lethal violence and terrorism against Israel
that has been raging since September 2000.
- It is against international law for the occupier to put its population in conquered land.
DISTORTION
This falsehood and distortion has been previously addressed. (See May 9 article.)
- “While we totally condemn acts of terror against innocent civilians, we regard Palestinian
violence as being, on the whole, a legitimate revolt against colonial occupation. Despite DISTORTION
the fact that many innocent Israelis have been victims of the revolt, we understand there
can be no moral and military symmetries between occupiers and occupied. The occupation
itself is morally and politically wrong; the excessive force Israel uses in order to impose its
rule against growing Palestinian resistance is totally unacceptable.” – statement signed by
some 400 Israeli citizens (including college professors and intellectuals).
Assuming that the above statement was properly signed by 400 citizens of Israel, who
were they? There is a large Israel Arab population. Many, including members of the
Knesset, have been very vocal in their support for Arafat and Palestinian violent actions.
MAY 31 (continued)
A tiny minority of Israeli Jews are in lock step with the radical Israeli Arab position.
Israel’s democracy that permits this freedom of speech contrasts sharply with the Arab world and the Palestinian Authority. It is unimaginable that a Jew who is permitted to live in a sovereign Arab state – and many, including Jordan, are “Judenrein,” would dare sign an equivalent statement supporting Israel and condemning the actions of that Arab country.
Israel did not seek to take over the sovereignty of another nation. There is no mention of the historical background of the state of Israel. Ancient Israel was the only sovereign state of that land. All other powers, from the Roman conquest of ancient Israel to numerous other conquerors up to the Ottoman Empire, were all “occupiers.” At the close of World War I the land of Israel was administered by Britain under the British Mandate. This was followed in 1947 by the U.N. partition plan that was rejected by the Arabs and accepted by Israel. In 1948 the State of Israel was founded.
The statement that Palestinian violence, most of which is terrorism, is a “legitimate revolt against colonial occupation – despite the fact that many innocent Israelis have been victims of the revolt” is a stunning and chilling remark.
There can never be any justification for the deliberate murder of innocent people.
June