The longer the conflict in Gaza continues, the more similarities emerge between Benjamin Netanyahu and Vladimir Putin. Both leaders show contempt for their adversaries and disregard humanitarian law, risking prosecution by the International Criminal Court. They both manipulate history to vilify their enemies as “Nazis” to be eliminated ruthlessly. Despite this, Western awareness of Russian disinformation campaigns surpasses that of similar operations by Netanyahu and his government, known as “hasbara.”
‘Pallywood’ and other lies
Netanyahu’s return to power saw the promotion of combative Galit Distel Atbaryan, labeled as the “minister of propaganda.” Her calls to erase Gaza and expel its inhabitants led to the abolition of her ministry, as propaganda efforts are now handled by the Israeli army. False narratives, like the mythical “Pallywood,” aim to discredit Palestinian sources, similar to Kremlin lies during the bombing of a maternity hospital in Mariupol.
The culmination of Israeli propaganda was President Biden’s endorsement of a fabricated story about Hamas beheading babies, showcasing the extent of manipulation in the conflict.
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