The portrayal of lone wolf terror wave in Israel: an unbiased narrative or agenda driven?

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict reflected in the wave of lone wolf terror attacks during October 2015 (and following months), the attacks were presented by the three leading Israeli news site media outlets (Ha’aretz, Ynet and Walla). The online newspapers represent different approaches – however they are still considered major Israeli media outlets. This study focused on whether they share the same narrative with one national consensus or differences exist. The findings suggest there is certain uniformity but it is partial and limited. The differences raise ethical questions and expose the inability of the media to be objective and balanced. The media does not fulfil its mission to be professional and it reflects the worldview of its owners, editors, journalists and audience. We found the coverage influenced by the ideology and political bias of the media outlet and did not conscript on behalf of a national and hegemonic narrative.