No Jews, no news, indeed

In case anyone missed it, there has been an election in Israel.

As is often the case in Israeli politics and Israeli society as a whole, things are complicated. Fierce arguments, lengthy debates, and various negotiations are often necessary before a conclusion that the majority can at least tolerate is reached. This time, those involved are the country’s political players.

But alongside these complexities, another thing is also guaranteed: intense media attention from abroad.

An analysis by independent researcher Jeremy Musighi found that Israel receives extensive media coverage relative to its size. According to the analysis, Israel accounted for 5.65% of measured US cable-news airtime during the year following October 7, 2023.

The same pattern of disproportionate attention can be seen at the United Nations, where UN Watch concluded that more than twice as many General Assembly resolutions were directed against Israel in 2024 as against all other countries combined.

Research and statistics matter and shouldn’t be undermined. But sometimes, a simple question can cut through all the noise. 

While following the Israeli election from Sweden, I came across a live chat hosted by Swedish public broadcaster SVT. A man named Lars asked a question that deserves attention:

“Why is it that an election in Israel receives so much media attention?”

Lars, kol hakavod.

Now, I doubt Lars will read this blog post, even though he, of course, should. Especially as his question touches on something much bigger than one election. 

It raises the issue of why the world’s only Jewish state receives such an extraordinary degree of international scrutiny and attention. 

In contrast, so many other countries and conflicts receive considerably less attention. Perhaps it is time for more people in Sweden, across Europe, and the US to start asking this very same question and think about what Lars asked.