The best way to spread fake news and misinformation is to wrap truth with provocative, attention-grabbing lies. One would think well-respected media outlets would be especially careful to not do that. But when it comes to Israel, that is not the case.
For example, let’s look at some samples of representative reporting I saw clipped from various news sources regarding the explosion at a hospital in Gaza a few days ago.
It’s no surprise that Al Jazeera reported as conclusive fact that Israel did it and that hundreds were killed. But, very surprising, so did the BBC, CNN, Reuters, AP, the Walls Street, and the Los Angeles Times—to name a few—publish these false allegations. Somehow, they thought it OK to do so by placing a tepid disclaimer, usually at the end of the headline, that either Hamas or Palestinian Officials said so.
One would think it is press malpractice to publish an accusation from known liars as fact without any basis. Especially without any corroborating evidence. And certainly when the accusation is so inflammatory that it is foreseeable that publishing such a false accusation would have such a predictable lasting drastic impact. An impact that would imperil lives of Jews and others, not to mention peace throughout the world.
Unfortunately, those false accusations took minutes to type and moments to disseminate. Seconds later the process started; minds were warped and a frenzy ensued. Israel rushed to ascertain the truth and then tell it. So did the United States. In hours, literally record time, they were able to do so.
But by then irrevocable damage was done. Millions of minds were further blackened by Hamas’ cynical manipulation that compounded hatred for Jews and Israel in a manner that will linger and be even easier to inflame. And millions more hearts, open to sympathy for Israel’s plight, were now hardened against caring for Israel’s plight and made less open to permit Israel to do what it must. A hatred or hardening based on a false premise.
Finally, supposedly neutral media outlets came to see that there was something wrong with their initial reporting. Did they act resolutely to fix the problem they created? No!
Let’s look at BBC for a case-in-point. Below, is their initial report released for worldwide consumption:
Then, after learning of Israel’s denials, explanations, and proof that the rocket causing the explosion was a misfire from a terrorist group in Gaza, the BBC reported the following:
Four things stand out to me:
The first image shows a raging fire, contains an inflammatory headline accusing Israel, and states that unnamed “Palestinian officials” said so. Who are those officials? To this day those officials have not provided any proof. Nor does the headline make clear that the Palestinian officials’ statement(s) is the only source of proof. And let’s be real, the damage was done in the first few words anyway. Few read on or cared that there was no proof just allegations.
The second image, sort of designed by the BBC to present a balance but not a correction even though by then there was plenty of evidence that Hamas was lying, reflected Israel’s denial. But it depicted an IDF uniformed officer (Admiral Hagari)— hardly an image that inspires confidence in those pre-conditioned to suspect Israel rather than an image equally arresting as the first image backgrounding the initial accusation.
The confusing reference in the second image to the audio recordings Israel captured when terrorists in Gaza referring to a misfired rocket. But what misfired rocket? Israel’s missile or a terrorist rocket? The words do not make clear it was a terrorist rocket. And there certainly was additional compelling evidence of Hamas’ perfidy than just the audio recording. Compelling evidence that would create an immediate visceral interpretation that Hamas lied in the mind of the news consumer. How about the image of the rocket turning around, or the track of the terrorist rocket published by the IDF?
And then the statement set-off by a line, “The BBC has not been able to verify Hagari’s claims.” Really? The BBC thought it necessary to highlight that disclaimer but not do so for known liars with a clear motive for doing so in the BBC’s initial report?
Still today, although the western media I consume seems to be accepting it as somewhat (and I emphasize somewhat) of a fact that, despite some remaining throw-up of their hands with a who are you going to believe attitude, I have not yet heard or seen in print the blaring statement that is the truth and could make some minor difference in fixing the damage many media outlets did. Clearly report: Hamas Lied!
Fortunately, there are those who are taking it into their own hands to publish the truth. I have received many examples from consumers of this newsletter and thank all for sending them. Here are a few:
Bring Them Home Now - A collection of MP4 recordings from loved ones of victims of Hamas’s murder and kindap.
A Letter to International Organizations in the Name of Women, Mothers,and Grandmothers
Israel’s Struggle with Hezbollah—A War Without End is now available in eBook and hardback format on Amazon and IngramSpark. This compelling narrative explores Hezbollah’s origins and cancerous growth, traces Israel’s response, and reveals Israel’s present readiness to meet Hezbollah’s challenge.
Cliff Sobin
Important Link—Alma Research and Education Center: Understanding the Security Challenges on Israel’s Northern Border