Spin Watch (8/1/25)

President Trump signs an executive order raising tariffs on Israeli goods to 15% starting Friday

The headline frames the increase of tariffs on Israeli goods as a decision taken by President Trump through a legitimate process, an executive order. This can be perceived as a normative process and a part of the governance system. However, it is crucial to note that the imposition of tariffs can be seen as a form of economic coercion, affecting the trade dynamics between the two nations. The language used, such as “slight drop”, attempts to downplay the potential impact of this decision, which could have significant implications for Israeli manufacturers and the broader economy.

The narrative highlights the discrepancy between the new rate and what Israel had hoped for, suggesting a power imbalance between the two countries. It is essential to remember that tariffs can be used as a tool for manipulating trade relationships and can significantly impact economies, businesses, and consumers. It’s important to critically examine these actions beyond the bureaucratic language of “executive orders” and percentage points.

Original Article


Why do we still mourn the loss of the Holy Temple 1,955 years after its destruction?

The headline and subsequent content frame the mourning of the Holy Temple as a shared, collective experience, implying a shared value system and perspective. This can be seen as a way to legitimize a particular narrative about the Holy Temple and its significance. The framing throughout the article employs religious and emotional language to emphasize the perceived value and loss associated with the Holy Temple.

The discussion about the concealment of the Divine Presence and the world’s fragmentation due to the Temple’s loss is an appeal to spiritual principles. However, it is essential to recognize that this perspective may not be universally accepted or valued, and it can be seen as an attempt to establish a certain narrative as the norm. It’s also critical to note potential conflicts between this religious narrative and the realities of diverse religious beliefs and practices.

Original Article


National Security Council sharpens travel warning for the United Arab Emirates, prompting decision to recall most diplomats from the country.

The headline frames the action of recalling diplomats from the UAE as a response to an external threat, as indicated by the sharpened travel warning. This can be seen as an attempt to legitimize the decision, framing it as necessary for national security. However, the move can be interpreted as a restrictive measure affecting diplomatic relations and potentially limiting dialogue and negotiation pathways.

The use of the term “sharpens” implies an increase in risk or danger, but it’s ambiguous and doesn’t provide specifics about the nature or extent of the perceived threat. The narrative implicitly suggests that the National Security Council’s actions are justified and uncontested, potentially obscuring alternative perspectives or criticisms.

Original Article


“Well, Iran has been acting very badly. They were decimated…”

The headline uses a quote from President Trump that frames Iran as instigating conflict. This narrative presents the U.S.’s actions, including the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, as a justified response to Iran’s behavior. However, this framing glosses over the violence inherent in these actions and the potential for civilian harm.

The language used, such as “decimated” and “obliterated”, euphemizes the reality of bombing, while the praise for the B-2 bombers and their pilots further deflects from the violent nature of these actions. The article also highlights the U.S.’s financial aid to Gaza, framing it as a benevolent act, but without addressing the structural issues causing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Original Article


The statement cited EU inaction as a motivating factor…

The headline begins with a reference to a statement that justifies Slovenia’s unilateral actions against Israel by citing EU inaction. This frames Slovenia’s decisions as a necessary response to the EU’s inability to act, which might be seen as an attempt to legitimize Slovenia’s actions. It’s important to note the potential for this narrative to mask the coercive nature of Slovenia’s decisions, including barring entry to Israeli ministers and independently denying military equipment export permits.

The language used to describe the situation in Gaza as people “dying because humanitarian aid is systematically denied them” presents a stark picture of the crisis. But it fails to specifically name the parties responsible for the denial of aid, indirectly absolving them of responsibility. The article also refers to the recognition of a Palestinian state by Slovenia and other countries, implying a shift in international opinion that contrasts with the actions of the Israeli government.

Original Article


Adv. Aharon Garber is the deputy director of the Kohelet Policy Forum’s law department…

The headline and subsequent text present a critique of Israel’s Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, and her perceived overreach in her role. The narrative frames Baharav-Miara’s actions as a threat to Israeli democracy, implying a contradiction between her actions and the principles of democratic governance. However, this framing may serve to delegitimize Baharav-Miara’s authority and position.

The article uses phrases like “AG’s fantasy world” and “steamrolls on” to negatively characterize Baharav-Miara’s actions, potentially influencing the reader’s perception of her. The narrative also contrasts Baharav-Miara’s actions with the practices in “all other democracies”, suggesting a norm from which she deviates. It’s important to scrutinize such comparisons and the implications they carry regarding the legitimacy and role of the Attorney General.

Original Article