Spin Watch (7/23/25)

Herzog: Hamas loots aid, prevents proper distribution

The framing of this story presents the legitimacy of Israel’s actions through Herzog’s words, which place the blame on Hamas for the humanitarian crisis. The language used paints Hamas as the sole obstacle to relief efforts, obscuring any potential role that Israel may have in the complicating the situation. The use of the term “terrorists of Hamas” further dehumanizes and vilifies the opposing side, creating a binary between the “law-abiding” Israel and the “criminal” Hamas. This narrative constructs a structure of legitimacy around Israel’s actions, without delving into the systemic issues that may contribute to the crisis.

The contrasting portrayal of Israel as committed to international humanitarian law and Hamas as the kidnapper of the civilian population reveals a contradiction in the story. While Israel is portrayed as committed to humanitarian efforts, the reality of the ongoing conflict suggests a more complex situation in which both sides may be contributing to the humanitarian crisis. The narrative implies legitimacy in Israel’s actions and governance without providing a structural grounding or acknowledging the broader systemic issues at play.
Original Article


IDF Chief of Staff: ‘Command is rewarding but also brings with it a great responsibility’

The narrative of this article attempts to humanize the IDF, framing them as responsible and committed to their duty. The use of euphemistic language such as “command is rewarding” and “investing significant effort in training our commanders” attempts to downplay the violence inherent in military operations. The story does not address potential structural breakdowns, such as the potential for coercion or restriction within the military command structure.

The story also presents a contradiction between the stated values of professionalism and preparation and the observable actions of the IDF, which have been criticized for human rights abuses. The narrative constructs a sense of legitimacy around the IDF’s actions without adequately addressing these structural issues. The framing of the story attempts to create a dichotomy between the IDF as a professional, responsible force and their critics, who are not directly addressed in the narrative.
Original Article


IDF probes suspected sabotage of UAVs by three IAF servicemembers

The story’s framing presents the IDF’s investigation into the suspected sabotage as a legitimate and necessary response to a potential internal threat. The language used in the story implies a sense of urgency and seriousness, suggesting that the IDF is committed to maintaining security and order within its ranks. However, the narrative does not address potential structural issues, such as the reasons for the suspected sabotage or the conditions within the IDF that may have led to it.

The phrase “suspected sabotage” is a euphemism that conceals the potentially violent nature of the act. The story does not delve into the motivations or consequences of the act, presenting it as a simple breach of order rather than a potential symptom of deeper systemic issues within the IDF. The framing of the story implies legitimacy in the IDF’s actions without providing a structural grounding for this legitimacy.
Original Article


Keith Siegel: ‘This fighting puts the lives of the hostages at risk every single second’

The narrative of this story creates an emotional appeal by presenting the immediate dangers facing hostages in Gaza. The use of direct quotes from Keith Siegel and others adds a personal perspective to the story, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. However, the story does not address the structural issues that have led to the hostage situation, such as the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The language used in the story, such as “hostages” and “captivity”, implies a sense of victimization and helplessness. However, it does not provide a full picture of the conditions and factors that have led to the hostage situation. The narrative presents the need for immediate action to rescue the hostages as a moral and humanitarian imperative, yet it does not address the broader systemic issues that contribute to the ongoing conflict and hostage situations.
Original Article


GHF ready to start distributing aid in Gaza

This story presents the GHF’s offer to distribute aid in Gaza as a show of humanitarian commitment. The language used in the story, such as “feeding the people of Gaza” and “we are ready and able to start today”, portrays the GHF as a benevolent and proactive actor. However, the narrative does not delve into the structural issues that have contributed to the aid crisis, such as the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and the restrictions on aid delivery.

The narrative also uses euphemistic language, such as “adjust our supply chains”, to downplay the logistical challenges and potential dangers involved in distributing aid in a conflict zone. The story implies legitimacy in the GHF’s offer without providing a structural grounding for this legitimacy. The framing of the story presents the GHF as a solution to the aid crisis, without addressing the broader systemic issues that contribute to the crisis.
Original Article


Radical haredi factions block major highways nationwide to protest arrests of draft dodgers

The framing of this story positions the haredi factions as disruptive forces, blocking major highways in protest against the arrests of draft dodgers. The use of terms such as “radical” and “draft dodgers” labels the haredi factions and their actions as deviant and unlawful, concealing the potential structural issues that have led to their protest. The narrative does not delve into the reasons for the haredi factions’ protest, such as potential systemic discrimination or coercion within the military draft system.

The story presents a contradiction between the stated values of the haredi factions, who are presumably protesting against perceived injustices, and their observable actions, which are framed as disruptive and unlawful. The narrative implies legitimacy in the actions of the authorities, who are arresting the draft dodgers, without providing a structural grounding for this legitimacy.
Original Article