A new study by Tereza Plíštilová and Zuzana Lizcová, published in Media, War & Conflict, challenges common assumptions about how German media adopt or contest Israel’s strategic narratives. The research critically analyzes media discourse during the early stages of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, focusing on the reception of Israel’s positions in leading German newspapers.
The study argues that states with “special relationships,” such as Germany and Israel, should be more inclined to adopt each other’s narratives in times of crisis. However, their findings reveal significant variation in how Israel’s messages were received.
Key findings include:
1) Uncontested adoption of Holocaust-related narratives:
German media consistently supported Israel’s role as a protector of Jewish minorities and its historical responsibility tied to the Holocaust. This narrative was seamlessly integrated into German discourse, reinforcing the country’s commitment to its past and moral obligations.
2) Conditional support for Israel’s democratic identity:
While Israel often presents itself as a democratic and Western-aligned state, German media initially questioned this narrative due to Israel’s hesitation to fully condemn Russia. However, when Israel positioned itself as a mediator in the conflict, the narrative gained greater acceptance.
3) The limits of the security threat narrative:
Israel’s portrayal of itself as a small state under constant threat was met with mixed reactions. While historical parallels with Ukraine were acknowledged, German media also expected Israel to take a stronger stance against Russian aggression rather than prioritize its regional security interests.
4) The role of proactive diplomacy:
The study highlights that strategic narratives are not automatically accepted, even in close alliances. Instead, proactive engagement—such as Israel’s attempt to mediate between Russia and Ukraine—played a crucial role in shaping how its narratives were received.