The Image of Israel and Israelis in the French, British, and Italian Press During the 1982 Lebanon War

Abstract

This chapter assesses how media representation of Israel was conveyed at a critical moment and turning point in Israel's history: events in Lebanon of September 1982. It argues that although it encompassed extremely negative features , image of Israel and the Israelis painted during this time was not part of classic antisemitic discourse. Most scholars and commentators indicate key role played by left-wing media in relation to today's antisemitism in Europe. The chapter argues that, although they were more prominent in left-wing press, stereotypes concerning Israel were not confined to this perspective but were shared by press in general. It analyzes coverage of events in five major mainstream newspapers from three European countries. The chapter is organized around chronologic sequence of events, with a view to underlining significant evolutions in discourse. Keywords: 1982 Lebanon war; antisemitic discourse; British press; French press; Israel's history; Italian press