New Media in Israel

This issue covers the period 31 August-5 September 2017. Israeli online networks were preoccupied with a number of topics, including the statements made by the Israeli Minister of Justice, Ayelet Shaked. In the Conference on the Judicial System, held by the Israeli Bar Association, Shaked commented on the High Court’s decision on African nationals.

Shaked voiced her criticism of the High Court’s decision, stating that the individual rights in Israel were “detached from Israel’s authenticity, the Israeli national duties, Israeli identity, Israeli history and Israeli Zionist challenges.”

In the virtual world, a war was waged against Shaked’s statements. Online networks rejected these statements, claiming that they jeopardised the legacy of Jabotinsky, Herzl and the Zionist leadership, which called for the respect of individual freedoms.

For the second week in a row, online networks were also preoccupied the High Court’s decision. Together with a number of ministers, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled his intention to enact a law, which would allow to expel foreign nationals.

This week, Netanyahu visited the southern quarters of Tel Aviv, where residents were affected by the High Court’s decision. The visit largely aroused Israeli online networks.

On the other hand, Israeli online networks showed significant interest in a youth camp organised by the National Democratic Assembly (Balad). Israeli online networks, of both right- and left-wing orientations, attacked the youth camp. As a result, Gilead Ardan, Minister of Internal Security, requested that an investigation be launched into the incident.

At the end of last week, the National Democratic Youth Union concluded its 18th youth camp in Beit Sahur. Activities includes workshops, lectures and educational, organisational and artistic events. These were designed to promote contact among Palestinians and bolster Palestinian identity. Participants also visited the Al-Duheisha refugee camp.

The visit featured workshops with young men and women from the Al-Duheisha refugee camp as well as a youth solidarity march around alleyways to learn about the real situation of the refugee camp. Participants also visited families of Palestinian victims of the Israeli occupation and incursions into the refugee camp, including families of martyrs, wounded citizens and prisoners. The visit aroused the full ire of Israeli online networks of both the right and left wings.

Over the past two days, suspicions have resurfaced over Netanyahu’s involvement in an attempt to conclude a deal to purchase German submarines, which the Israeli occupying army had announced it did need. These suspicions unfolded a huge corruption case. This week, the court extended the detention of the former director of Netanyahu’s office on grounds of this case. This is the second director of Netanyahu’s office who was involved in a corruption case. According to sources, the police recommended that a third charging instrument be filed against Netanyahu’s wife in a corruption case.
This issued largely provoked the Israeli virtual world.