Journalists Empower Terror, Not Truth

The Weaponization of Journalism: How the World Turned Against Israel Through Words

Being a good journalist isn’t something one achieves overnight , it demands more than technical skills. It’s a blend of integrity, courage, commitment to truth, and responsibility to the public. But what happens when these values are sacrificed at the altar of bias, popularity, or ideological agendas? The world has taken a dark turn, and part of the blame lies with those who call themselves journalists,  many of whom have forgotten the very essence of their craft.

Let’s begin with what makes a good journalist. These professionals are expected to be:

• Truthful and Factual: Rigorously verifying sources, avoiding sensationalism, and accurately representing the facts.
• Ethical: Maintaining integrity, avoiding conflicts of interest, and correcting mistakes transparently.
• Curious and Critical: Asking tough questions and not simply echoing official or popular narratives.
• Empathetic yet Objective: Understanding the human cost of conflict without surrendering to emotional manipulation.
• Mission-Driven: Committed to giving a voice to the voiceless, holding power accountable, and exposing real wrongdoing.

However, journalism is not a protected profession.  Anyone can call themselves a journalist, no diploma, no license, and no formal training required. While media organizations, for example in the Netherlands, often have their own codes of conduct (such as the Code of Bordeaux or the Dutch Press Council guidelines), these are voluntary standards. In practice, this lack of formal oversight means that misinformation can spread quickly, and with devastating impact.

This lack of structure has never been more dangerous than now, as the world increasingly turns its back on Israel, a democratic state surrounded by existential threats, while romanticizing or outright defending terrorist groups like Hamas. This betrayal is amplified by biased reporting, selective outrage, and an unwillingness to see the complexity of modern asymmetric warfare.

The War on Words: How Misinformation Fuels Conflict

Let’s be clear: the current war in Gaza did not start in a vacuum. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented, brutal attack on Israeli civilians, killing over 1,200 people and kidnapping hundreds more. This wasn’t a resistance act,  it was a massacre. Yet within days, the global narrative shifted. Israel, in its self-defense, was suddenly cast as the aggressor. Protesters took to the streets waving terrorist flags, and journalists began echoing Hamas propaganda, often without verification or nuance.

This is exactly what Hamas counts on.

Terrorists have learned to weaponize not only civilians but also the international media. Hamas uses schools, hospitals, and UN buildings as launchpads for rockets, knowing that any counterstrike will bring global condemnation upon Israel. They hide behind medics, children, and, yes, journalists. During the day, a Hamas operative might be a fighter; in front of the camera, he becomes a journalist, a medic, or an innocent bystander.

The moral codes that protect real journalists, the Geneva Conventions, international laws,  are being exploited by those who reject every moral standard. And the worst part? Journalists often fall for it. Either due to lack of experience, inherent bias, or simple ideological leanings, they report half-truths or outright lies that fuel antisemitism and embolden terrorism.

A Vicious Cycle of Bias and Denial

Remember the tragic 2022 case of Shireen Abu Akleh? A journalist caught in crossfire during a clash between terrorists and the IDF. Hamas immediately claimed the IDF had targeted her deliberately. Western media ran with that version, despite conflicting evidence. The IDF presented data showing they weren’t in range. Eventually, reports indicated it may have been accidental or friendly fire , but the damage to Israel’s reputation was done. Journalists who should have waited for facts instead acted as judge, jury, and executioner.

This happens repeatedly. Accusations against Israel are printed in bold headlines. Retractions, if they happen at all, are buried or ignored. Meanwhile, videos of Hamas atrocities are dismissed as “unverified,” while every Palestinian casualty is laid solely at Israel’s feet, even when Hamas uses civilians as human shields.

What Can Be Done?

Israel must take an active role in breaking this cycle. One approach could be inviting international journalists to witness the reality on the ground firsthand, not through staged propaganda tours, but through authentic interaction with Israeli Arabs, Druze, Christians, Jews, and Bedouins who all live in a democratic and pluralistic society. Let them see the evidence, speak to survivors, and examine history,  not headlines.

Moreover, perhaps it’s time to reconsider the structure of journalism itself. Should we require a protected title, much like doctors or lawyers, for someone to call themselves a journalist? Should there be legal consequences for knowingly spreading false information in conflict zones?

Because right now, journalism, once a tool for justice, is being used to erase truth, glorify evil, and demonize a nation that defends its people from terror. And that is a betrayal not only of Israel but of the very principles journalism was built on.