This issue covers the period 18-21 October 2017. Israeli social media networks were preoccupied with two main topics: (1) Meretz leader’s resignation from the Knesset, and (2) the interview conducted by Dima Tayeh on Musawa TV channel.
This week, Zehava Gal-On, leader of the Meretz party, resigned from the Israeli parliament (Knesset). Gal-On explained that she wished to dedicate her time and effort to rebuild and empower her party. She would be replaced by Mossi Raz, Secretary General of Meretz.
Gal-On’s decision surprised the Israeli social media networks. While some claimed it was a political manoeuvre, others regretted the decision, allegedly because the political stage was in need of a person who would embrace Gal-On’s opinions and positions. A third current claimed that Gal-On’s moving out of the political stage was better for Israel because she used her position to support terrorism.
Over the past week, the interview held by Ramzi Hakeem, a reporter of the Nazareth-based Musawa TV channel, with Dima Tayeh went viral on social media networks. A resident of Kafr Manda, Tayeh is a member of the (Arab) Dreams Team, which Israel has recruited to combat the BDS efforts. The team works towards refining the image of Israel and claiming that it treats minorities on an equal footing.
Tayeh’s claims were an object of ridicule on Arab social media networks. On the other hand, Tayeh’s comments were largely supported by Israeli social media activists, who greeted her for her “courage” and “honest position”!
