New Media in Israel

This issue covers the period 13-16 September 2017. Israeli online networks were preoccupied with a number of topics. Naftali Bennett, Minister of Education, and Ayelet Shaked, Minister of Justice, made a decision to propose a law, which would restrict and prevent the High Court from abolishing laws. Accordingly, Bennett and Shaked (both are members of the Jewish Home Party) could propose extreme laws, which would serve their constituencies and ensure that they would not be repealed.

The decision provoked the ire of the Israeli virtual world in light of recent transformations within the judicial authority.
This week, advisor to the Beitar Jerusalem football team Eli Cohen resigned on Wednesday. Cohen stirred controversy and outrage after he announced that he “would not sign on any Muslim and Arab player” into the Israeli team.
Israeli sources reported that Cohen apologised for his statement to the team management and offered to resign so that he would not cause damage to the team.

The controversy was reflected in the Israeli virtual world. While some opposed, others welcomed Cohen’s resignation. Online networks argued that Beitar Jerusalem was essentially a racist team. That step would not change anything.
In addition to Cohen’s anti-Arab and anti-Islamic comments, a statement made by Israeli actor Gavri Banai provoked Israeli online networks. This week, Banai announced he would refuse to appear or participate in any event in the occupied territory, meaning settlements.

Banai made this statement during a special interview with Ma’ariv, in which he said he was also ready to waive Jerusalem for peace.

Online networks either supported or attacked Banai. Attackers reminded Banai that he lived in Ein-Hod, which was constructed on the debris of the displaced village of Ein Hud.