Spin Watch (1/4/26)

National Security Minister backs officers who ‘neutralized’ man in Tarabin

The framing of this story reveals an implicit acceptance of state-sanctioned violence, framed as necessary for security. The term “neutralized” is a euphemism for what, from the context, appears to be a killing or severe incapacitation. The legitimacy of such actions is underpinned by the minister’s assertion that officers must not be “endangered and harmed without response,” implying that the state’s security forces have the right to use potentially lethal force in self-defense. This framing, however, omits any discussion about proportionality in the use of force or the potential for abuse of power.

The article also fails to provide any context or details about the incident in Tarabin, which limits the reader’s ability to critically assess the legitimacy of the officers’ actions. This lack of transparency, combined with the minister’s endorsement, serves to legitimize the security forces’ actions without offering any structural grounding or evidence. Without this grounding, it is impossible to ascertain whether the use of force was justified, proportionate, or within the bounds of law.

Original Article


IDF’s Division 80 holds exercise simulating infiltration into communities

The language and framing of this story presents a military exercise, presumably intended to prepare for violent conflict, as a routine and legitimate aspect of governance. The article describes acts of violence such as “infiltration into communities” and “evacuation of injured” in a detached, technical manner, which obscures the potential human cost of such actions. This language serves to normalize military operations within civilian communities, potentially leading to the normalization of violence.

Moreover, the article fails to provide any context or rationale for the exercise, leaving readers unable to critically assess its necessity or proportionality. This lack of information, combined with the casual framing of military operations, implies an acceptance of militarization and potential violence as inherent aspects of governance. This narrative may serve to legitimize and normalize the use of force, without providing any structural grounding for its necessity or appropriateness.

Original Article


Recognizing Somaliland

This article frames Israel’s recognition of Somaliland’s independence as a strategic geopolitical move. The language used, such as “geopolitical genius” and “increased pressure on the Houthis,” presents state actions that may involve coercion or violence as strategic maneuvers. This implies that these actions are not only legitimate but also prudent and necessary for national security.

The article also uses euphemistic language to discuss potential military action. For example, the term “airstrike” is used instead of “bombing,” and the potential use of a foreign airfield for military operations is described as “increased pressure.” These terms obscure the violent nature of these actions and their potential human cost. This use of language, combined with the narrative of strategic necessity, serves to legitimize potentially coercive or violent actions without providing structural grounding for their necessity or legality.

Original Article


Large weapons cache found in car

In this article, the discovery of a weapons cache in a car is framed as a testament to the vigilance and effectiveness of the police force. The narrative implies that the police’s actions have prevented a potential tragedy, thus legitimizing their role in maintaining public safety. However, the article does not provide any context or evidence to support this claim, such as information about the intended use of the weapons or the identities of those involved.

The use of terms like “illegal weapons” and “serious crime” also serves to legitimize the police’s actions. These terms imply a clear distinction between legitimate and illegitimate uses of force, with the police positioned as the protectors of legality and order. However, without any context or evidence, this narrative appears to be structurally grounded only in the authority of the police themselves, rather than in any objective or verifiable facts.

Original Article


Intelligence Directorate head eulogizes Brig. Gen. Amit Saar

The language and framing of this article serve to legitimize and ennoble the role of the military in society. The death of Brig. Gen. Amit Saar is presented as a national tragedy, with the fallen officer eulogized as a “man of values” with a love for the state and its people. This narrative implies that military service is not only legitimate but also noble and virtuous.

The article also uses the phrase “the failure of October 7” as a euphemism for a likely military defeat or mishap. This language obscures the nature of the event and its consequences, making it difficult for readers to assess its significance. This lack of transparency, combined with the noble framing of military service, serves to legitimize the actions of the military and its members without providing structural grounding for their actions or decisions.

Original Article


Haredi soldier injured while fighting in Gaza signs on for career service

This story presents a soldier’s decision to continue his military service despite being injured as an act of dedication and patriotism. The soldier’s statement, “It’s never enough to give back to the State and the people,” frames military service as a form of public service. This narrative implies that the military is a legitimate and noble institution, deserving of respect and support.

However, the article does not provide any context or discussion about the soldier’s injury or the conditions of his service. This lack of information, combined with the positive framing of military service, serves to legitimize the role of the military without providing any structural grounding for its actions or policies. The narrative also obscures the potential risks and harms associated with military service, which may lead readers to uncritically accept the legitimacy of the military and its operations.

Original Article