New Media in Israel

This issue covers the period 24-27 September 2017. Israeli online networks were preoccupied with a number of topics. These included reckless incitement against Mohammed Bakri, a Palestinian artist from the village of Al-Bi’nah in the Galilee. Incitement was initiated after Bakri had visited Lebanon to participate in the Ayyam Filistiniyyah [Palestinian Days] Week.

Israeli laws prohibit Israeli citizens from travelling to “inimical states”, of which Lebanon is designated as one. However, Bakri was of the view that his visit marked a triumph over these laws, which he characterised as “racist”. According to Bakri, these laws “deprive the indigenous inhabitants of the land of their right to be in touch with their counterparts in the Arab region.” 

In addition to the visit, Bakri’s statements on Lebanese media outlets provoked the incitement against Bakri. Demands were also made to put him on criminal trial on charges of treason. A number of political figures requested that the Israeli Judicial Advisor open an investigation with Bakri.

This week, Israeli online networks welcomed the victory of Angela Merkel, who won a fourth term as Chancellor of Germany. By contrast, the far right Alternative for Germany party’s rise in the last German elections was viewed as a danger, which should be addressed accordingly.

According to online networks, Merkel is a friend of Israel. She supported the state on many occasions. Her victory should, therefore, be welcomed, particularly in light of the rising anti-Semitic far right party.
By way of sarcasm, online networks addressed Netanyahu, who has held the office of Prime Minister for several terms. However, these terms are still less than Merkel’s.

The Israeli virtual world was further preoccupied with the protests organised by people with special needs for the 5th week in a row.

Representatives of the organisations of people with special needs threatened to escalate and continue to organise protests, demanding that their disability allowances be raised to match minimum wage rates.

Israeli online networks were in sympathy with the struggle of people with special needs, particularly after the Police imposed fines, NIS 500 each, on these people. This is an exorbitant sum for people who were protesting against their poor living conditions.