The Politics of Persuasion in Wartime: The Israel-Hamas Conflict

The conflict between Israel and Hamas is a stark example of how the politics of persuasion operates in wartime. Both sides employ various methods to shape public opinion, bolster internal support, and influence international perspectives in this ongoing struggle. This article explores the techniques and strategies of persuasion used by Israel and Hamas, highlighting the critical role of propaganda, media, rhetoric, and psychological operations.

Propaganda and Information Warfare

Propaganda is a vital tool for both Israel and Hamas in their efforts to influence perceptions and maintain morale. Israel, through its government agencies and military units, uncovers information that emphasizes the threat posed by Hamas, the legitimacy of its military actions, and its commitment to protecting Israeli citizens. This information is shared via traditional media, social media platforms, and official statements.

Hamas, on the other hand, uses propaganda to portray itself as the defender of Palestinian rights and to garner support from the Palestinian population and the broader Arab and Muslim world. This involves highlighting Israeli military actions that result in civilian casualties and framing these incidents as evidence of Israeli aggression and occupation. This is when Hamas’ “victim card” starts to be exposed. Both sides utilize emotionally charged narratives to strengthen their positions and rally their bases.

Media as a Battleground

In the digital age, media has become a critical battleground in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Both parties use social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to reach global audiences. Israeli and Hamas social media accounts frequently post updates, images, and videos to support their narratives and counter the opposing side’s claims.

Israel’s public diplomacy strategy (called Hasbara) often focuses on showcasing its technological and military capabilities, its efforts to minimize civilian casualties and the threat posed by Hamas rockets. Hamas, meanwhile, uses social media to depict the human cost of Israeli airstrikes, aiming to evoke sympathy and support from international observers. The rapid dissemination of information (and misinformation) on these platforms has made the media environment highly volatile and contentious.

When Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, they live-streamed their crimes against humanity, taking how we cover things to a whole new level.

Rhetoric and Leadership

Rhetoric plays a crucial role in the politics of persuasion during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Israeli leaders, such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have delivered speeches that emphasize the existential threat posed by Hamas and the need for a strong and unified response. These speeches often appeal to national pride, historical evidence, unity, and the importance of security.

Hamas leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, use rhetoric to boost support among Palestinians and to frame their struggle as a just fight against oppression and occupation. Their speeches frequently draw on religious and nationalistic themes, aiming to strengthen resolve and encourage resistance.

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Social Media Activism and the Role of Gen Z

Gen Z is known for its activism on social media platforms. Young people around the world use Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms to share information, express solidarity, and mobilize support for the causes they believe in. In the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Gen Z activists have been instrumental in spreading awareness and shaping narratives.

Pro-Palestinian Gen Z activists often use social media to highlight the plight of Palestinians, sharing videos, infographics, and personal stories that underscore the human impact of the conflict. They organize online campaigns, such as hashtag movements, to draw attention to specific incidents and to call for international intervention. However, many of these “campaigns” started by social media tend to become scams and fake.

The “donations” on GoFundMe’s will be said to support Palestinian families in Gaza, but the actual money is going to Hamas’ leaders in Qatar. Another example is the “Tentifada” of Spring 2024, which were illegal encampments on college campuses, backed by Iran, and led to over 1000 arrests. There are several more to be named.

Pro-Israel Gen Z activists similarly leverage social media to share their perspectives, emphasizing the security threats faced by Israel and the efforts to protect its citizens. They counter pro-Palestinian narratives by sharing factually correct and historically accurate information about Hamas’s tactics and the context of Israeli military actions, as well as our ancient connection to the land.

Influencers and Virality

Influencers, including those from Gen Z, play a crucial role in amplifying messages related to the conflict. Social media influencers with large followings can sway public opinion by sharing their views and content. The virality of posts, driven by Gen Z’s engagement, can quickly spread information to millions of people. For example, during flare-ups in the conflict, viral posts by influencers or ordinary Gen Z users can bring global attention to specific incidents, influencing media coverage and international responses. The speed and reach of these posts can shape perceptions and drive conversations in ways that traditional media cannot.

The Ethical Dimension

The politics of persuasion in the Israel-Hamas conflict raises significant ethical questions. Both sides face accusations of using propaganda and psychological operations in ways that can blur the line between legitimate persuasion and manipulation. The use of emotionally charged imagery and narratives can inflame tensions and contribute to cycles of violence.

For Israel, maintaining democratic values while engaging in information warfare is a delicate balance. The Israeli government must navigate the tension between national security interests and the public’s right to accurate information. For Hamas, the ethical implications of using civilian areas for military operations and the impact of its propaganda on Palestinian society are complex and contentious issues. There is no freedom of speech, no freedom of the press, and no freedom of religion under Hamas.

Conclusion

The Israel-Hamas conflict illustrates the intricate and evolving nature of the politics of persuasion in wartime. Through propaganda, media engagement, rhetorical appeals, psychological operations, and historical evidence, both sides seek to shape perceptions and achieve their objectives. As technology advances and the information landscape continues to change, the methods and ethical considerations surrounding wartime persuasion in this conflict will remain critical to understanding its dynamics and potential resolutions.