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'I'm on the right side of history'

miriw — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 08:00:57 +0000

In democratic nations priding themselves on free speech, journalists who challenged Hamas propaganda after October 7 discovered the limits of Western tolerance – losing careers, receiving death threats, and requiring police escorts simply for reporting a perspective sympathetic to Israel.

They live in democratic countries with freedom of expression and worked for major media outlets – yet paid a heavy price for criticizing Hamas and supporting Israel. Some were fired, others received death threats and harassment that forced them to need police escorts. Despite everything, they continue to speak out while their colleagues criticize Israel or choose comfortable silence.

In early November, Yotam Confino (35), a Danish-Israeli journalist, was invited to lecture at the Tivoli Hotel in Denmark about propaganda and misinformation in the Gaza war. Confino, who reports from Israel for leading media outlets in Denmark, the US, and Britain, arrived early – he knew pro-Palestinian activists were preparing a "reception" for him. As someone who is half Israeli, he has always been under a magnifying glass, but since October 7, he has been accompanied by police to every public event.

Yotam Confino (35), a Danish-Israeli journalist

"About 400 people registered for the lecture, including members of parliament and Danish leaders who wanted to hear a different angle from what's in the local media," Confino said. "The lecture dealt with misinformation that reached the media during the war – mainly from Gaza, but also from Israel. The focus was on the media's devotion to information conveyed by Hamas, which continues to mislead it."

The lecture became public after a local imam with an affection for Hamas and Hezbollah published the event date and hotel name – intending to pressure organizers into canceling it. He called Confino "the Israeli Zionist agent."

"I arrived at the hotel an hour before the lecture, and there were already about 20 protesters with Palestinian flags, and six police officers preventing them from entering," he said. "They shouted insults at me and held a sign reading 'Death to the IDF.' One of them wore a mask hiding his face – something forbidden in Denmark – and the police didn't demand he remove it."

"Usually protesters go out against a prime minister or political figure, not against a journalist," he said. "For me, this is a new level of hatred. But I have no doubt I'm on the right side of history. These people are terror supporters, and if I'm causing them to react like this, apparently I'm hitting where it hurts them. They were 20 people, compared to 400 who paid to enter the lecture exposing the hypocrisy of Western media and the manipulations through which Hamas buys sympathy in the world."

Confino is the only journalist in Denmark against whom demonstrations are held, and the only one who needs police protection at every public event. The police asked him to update them on every public appearance. He is one of the prominent voices supporting Israel's right to fight terrorist organizations and defend itself, while many others act against it or remain silent for fear of threats.

"For two years, I've experienced a campaign that includes threats, silencing, and harassment. They call me a Nazi," Confino said. "Pro-Palestinian elements pressured to fire me from TV2, Denmark's leading television channel – and succeeded. There are people here calling to put me on trial for war crimes, and even a member of parliament from the radical left who criticizes me. It's gotten out of control. The threats have become routine, which no longer moves the authorities."

"There's a hunt here for anyone who publicly expresses positive views about Israel," he said. "You no longer need to be a pronounced pro-Israeli to receive threats – it's enough that you expose Hamas propaganda."

"I respect the Danish police, they're doing their maximum, but they don't have enough resources, and some of them don't understand the nuances," he said. "In my world, if you call for the death of all the IDF – you're calling for mass murder. But here they think it's just a slogan. Every weekend in Copenhagen, police escort pro-Palestinian protesters shouting 'Death to the IDF' and carrying Hamas flags and pictures of Sinwar. If this were an al-Qaida demonstration with pictures of bin Laden, it's clear they would act differently."

"I'm sure there are journalists who are afraid to cover the conflict fairly, because they know that if they expose lies from Gaza, they'll start receiving threats," Confino said. "As someone who is half Israeli, I'm a clear target, but they're also 'hunting' others who support Israel, even if they're not Jewish."

"My heart broke when I saw the videos from the border communities"

Another prominent example is Erin Molan (42), an Australian journalist who paid a heavy price for supporting Israel. "My heart broke when I saw the videos from the Gaza border communities," she said. "The shock turned to shame when I saw Australians celebrating the massacre in front of the Sydney Opera House, a day or two later. I have a television show, and even though I'm not Jewish or Israeli, I immediately stood with Israel because I knew it was the right side. From that moment on, my life changed."

Erin Molan (42), an Australian journalist

Support for Israel led to threats on her life and police escorts for her and her daughter. She was forced to change her residence after direct threats, which included exposure of personal details on social media and in pro-Palestinian groups, including where her daughter studies.

"I received death threats, harassment, threats against my child," Molan said. "It's hard to continue fighting under such a threat, and all because of my support for Israel. But I continue – also for the sake of my daughter's future. The people going against Jews won't end there; they'll continue with Christians, and it won't end."

Within a few months, Molan lost all her positions – as a television host, columnist, and sports journalist. A career she cultivated for more than two decades.

"I can't say everything is because of my support for Israel, but apparently in some cases there's a connection," she said. "At the same time, I try to look at the good – new opportunities have opened for me in markets outside Australia, and I'm reaching many people I didn't know before."

"But the career isn't what determines it – rather the knowledge that I'm doing the right thing," she said. "I go to sleep every night knowing I'm on the right side. The Jews are worth it, the Israelis are worth it, and the West is worth it. You need to fight evil."

"During the Holocaust, there were many people who remained silent, and there were those who helped despite the danger," she said. "I want to believe that if I had lived in that period, I would have helped the Jews, I would have passed the test. I wouldn't have stood by then, and I won't stand by today."

"The celebrations after the massacre shocked me"

Nicole Lampert is a Jewish-British culture journalist who wrote for years for the kingdom's leading newspapers. Over the years, she began writing about antisemitism as well, especially during Jeremy Corbyn's leadership of the Labour Party, but her main occupation remained cultural – at least until October 7.

Nicole Lampert is a Jewish-British culture journalist (Photo: Jenny Smith)

"Writing about antisemitism turned me from a journalist into an activist, and this intensified since October 7," she said. "I saw people celebrating the massacre in front of the Israeli embassy, and a pro-Palestinian demonstration of hundreds of thousands days after – and it shocked me. I started writing for The Telegraph and Daily Mail about antisemitism, talking with survivors and bereaved families. Suddenly, this became the central topic in my writing."

"I was one of the first British journalists to speak about the Israeli side," she said. "The British don't know Israelis as victims. Every time I write something, I receive hatred on social media – Nazi messages, accusations of 'genocide denial' and 'loving apartheid,' pictures of a swastika inside a Star of David."

Lampert discovered that in her regular posts, about 6% of respondents are fake bots – but in posts about Israel, the number doubles to 13%. Evidence of the strength of the organized campaign operated against Israel on social media. She also experienced hostile reactions from feminist journalists after criticizing the feminist movement for not standing with Israeli women around the rape events on October 7.

"We Jews stand on the frontline of a cultural war between radical Islam and the right," she said. "The right is growing in Britain and other countries, and the significant reason for this is immigration. The Conservative Party and Labour allowed globalization of the intifada on British streets. Calls like 'From the river to the sea,' which are forbidden in Germany, are heard here without a firm response from authorities."

"Daily life hasn't changed, but I'm aware of the difficult situation of Jews in the country," she said. "My children deal with antisemitism more than I do. My son's girlfriend left her university and transferred to another – because her roommate told her she 'doesn't talk to Jews.'"

"This is a difficult period for defining our identity in Britain," she concluded. "My British identity has cracked. I always said I was 'British Jewish,' and now the order has changed – I'm first of all Jewish, and only then British."

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BBC leadership resigns amid bias allegations over Trump, Gaza coverage

adin — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:02:25 +0000

The BBC's director general, Tim Davie, and news division chief Deborah Turness have stepped down following accusations from a former corporation adviser that the broadcaster demonstrated "serious and systemic" bias across coverage of Donald Trump, Gaza, and transgender issues, according to The Guardian.

Davie characterized his exit as "entirely my decision" in an announcement that sent shockwaves through the broadcasting organization, with the resignation coming as BBC leadership prepares to issue an apology regarding editorial handling of a Trump address.

The dual departures represent a critical juncture for the broadcaster as it enters crucial negotiations with government officials regarding its institutional future and financial structure. British media now faces the challenge of filling two of its most prominent executive positions. BBC chairman Samir Shah is anticipated to apologize for the editorial approach taken with Trump's speech in a Panorama broadcast.

The company's logo at the entrance of the British Broadcasting Company BBC's headquarters in London, Britain, August 1, 2024 (Photo: Andy Rain/EPA)

The Commons Culture, Media, and Sport Select Committee had established a Monday cutoff for the BBC to address allegations presented by Michael Prescott, who had previously served as an independent external adviser to the broadcaster's editorial guidelines and standards committee before departing that role during the summer months.

Prescott challenged the editorial treatment of Trump's address in a Panorama episode that combined clips from a speech the US president delivered on January 6, 2021. The edited sequence suggested Trump instructed the crowd: "We're going to walk down to the Capitol and I'll be there with you, and we fight. We fight like hell."

Those words originated from speech portions separated by nearly an hour. The editorial decision has generated criticism from Karoline Leavitt, Trump's press secretary, who characterized the corporation over the weekend as "100% fake news" and a "propaganda machine." Leavitt appeared to mark the departures favorably on Sunday night, referencing on X her objections to the BBC's handling of the US president's address.

Shot: Chaser: pic.twitter.com/n0U08PnUJb

— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) November 9, 2025

Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that "very dishonest people" had "tried to step on the scales of a Presidential Election," stating: "On top of everything else, they are from a Foreign Country, one that many consider our Number One Ally. What a terrible thing for democracy!"

Davie informed staff in a message that he maintained the "unswerving and unanimous support" of the BBC's board and chairman Samir Shah throughout the controversy, The Guardian noted. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the current accusations influenced his decision. "Like all public organisations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable," Davie stated.

Hundreds attend a protest called by the National Jewish Assembly, The Campaign Against Antisemitism, and the UK Lawyers for Israel at the BBC Broadcasting House on October 16, 2023, in London, England. (Photo: Guy Smallman/Getty Images)

"While not being the only reason, the current debate around BBC News has understandably contributed to my decision. Overall the BBC is delivering well, but there have been some mistakes made and as director general I have to take ultimate responsibility," he added. Davie's exit follows repeated criticism the BBC received regarding comments from former presenter Gary Lineker, the livestreaming of the Glastonbury festival performance by anti-Israel rap punk duo Bob Vylan, and multiple controversies surrounding Israel-Hamas war reporting.

The resignations of Davie and Turness appear designed to shield the BBC from additional attacks following Prescott's criticisms, which he detailed in correspondence to the BBC board.

The Prescott correspondence, provided to The Daily Telegraph, also condemned BBC Arabic for its coverage of the Gaza war, which excluded stories criticizing Hamas and accounts of Israeli suffering, including kidnapped hostages. The letter also criticized a documentary featuring narration by a Hamas official's child and the broadcaster's use of contributors who had expressed antisemitic perspectives. One featured contributor had previously posted online that Jews should be burned "as Hitler did," with the BBC stating he should not have been featured in that manner. A separate featured contributor had characterized Jews online as "devils," The Guardian reported. The BBC indicated in May that this individual had been prohibited from future contributor roles.

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Widow Erika Kirk posts touching video of slain husband

miriw — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:00:14 +0000

The widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk has shared a deeply personal video showing her late husband recounting to their young daughter the romantic story of how he first encountered her mother. Hindustan Times reported that Erika Kirk posted the emotional footage on social media with the caption "my favorite love story."

The touching video captures Charlie Kirk sitting with his small daughter on his lap, beginning what he calls "storytime" at Bill's Burgers in New York City. "We're here at Bill's Burgers in New York City. Right near this very table was the first time that I met Mama," Kirk explains to the child in the footage, according to Hindustan Times.

Kirk continues his narrative by describing how their initial encounter began as a professional meeting. "It started as a job interview. I was asking all these questions — philosophy, religion, Jesus. Then I realized Mama was beautiful and smart and elegant and Christlike. I said, 'Forget this job interview.' I said, 'I have enough friends.' That's where your journey started," he tells his daughter.

Erika Kirk releases video on Instagram of Charlie Kirk explaining to their daughter how they met.

"… my favorite love story."

Pray for the Kirk family pic.twitter.com/mdn0GeKcNl

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 16, 2025

Social media users have responded with an outpouring of support for the grieving family. "I love you, my girl. Thinking of you every second of every day," one user commented, while another wrote, "One thing is for sure, she'll never grow up doubting how much he loved you. I'm so glad you have these precious videos to show them. Thinking about you and praying for you constantly." A third commenter observed, "She will see these one day and will know what a wonderful father God blessed her with on this earth."

Following her husband's death, Erika Kirk delivered an emotional address from Turning Point USA headquarters in Arizona. Hindustan Times reported her saying, "You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife, the cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry."

Vice President JD Vance, right, Second Lady Usha Vance, center, and Erika Kirk, holding a cross on a chain, deplane Air Force Two, carrying the body of Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, who was shot and killed, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Phoenix (Photo: AP /Ross D. Franklin) AP

The couple shares two young children – a son who celebrated his first birthday in May and a daughter who turned three in August. In her September 12 public remarks, Erika revealed the heartbreaking conversation she had with her daughter after the tragedy, as reported by Hindustan Times. "When I got home last night, our daughter just ran into my arms ... and she said, 'Mommy, I missed you.' I said, 'I missed you too, baby.' She goes, 'Where's daddy?'" Erika recounted. The grieving mother described her response to the difficult question. "What do you tell a 3-year-old? She's three. I said, 'Baby, daddy loves you so much. Don't you worry. He's on a work trip with Jesus so he can afford your blueberry budget,'" she explained.

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Fox News host floats 'forced lethal injection' on homeless

miriw — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 06:00:19 +0000

Fox News host Brian Kilmeade called for the execution of mentally ill homeless people during a morning show and suggested "forced lethal injection" as a solution for those who refuse government assistance.

Brian Kilmeade endorses euthanizing homeless people: "Involuntary lethal injection, or something. Just kill them." pic.twitter.com/on5NMereZQ

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 13, 2025

The comments arose during a discussion about the brutal murder that is shocking the United States. A 34-year-old homeless man murdered 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who fled from her country, on a light rail ride in Charlotte. In the video, he is seen walking around the train car, while other passengers notice blood dripping from him. Zarutska, who held her neck while blood spilled onto the train floor, collapsed in her seat and died on the train.

The exchange on Fox News began when the hosts discussed the killer's extensive criminal history and the homeless crisis in the United States.

A 34-year-old homeless man murdered 23-year-old Irina Zarutskaya on a light rail ride in Charlotte

Co-host Lawrence Jones argued for eliminating the option to choose treatment options, stating, "This is happening across the country, and it's not a money problem. We've given billions of dollars to mental health and the homeless population. Many of them don't want to take the programs, many of them don't want to get the necessary help. You can't give them a choice. Either you take the resources we're going to give you, or you decide you're going to be locked up in prison. That's how it has to be now." Kilmeade then interjected and said, "Or forced lethal injection, or something. Just kill them."

Co-host Ainsley Earhardt did not express opposition to the statement, instead asking: "Yes, Brian, why has it come to this point?"

California Governor Gavin Newsom responded to the Fox News exchange with a biblical verse: "Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered."

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Will global media continue falling into Hamas' traps?

adin — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 13:30:29 +0000

Headlines and broadcasts around the world reported extensively on "starvation in Gaza," with main news programs and newspaper front pages displaying disturbing images of severely underweight Palestinian children, sparking outrage and condemnation of Israel. However, investigations have revealed that two of the most widely shared images were unrelated to malnutrition, weaponized for Hamas' propaganda.

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The first image showed Mohammed Zakaria al-Mutawaq, a young boy whose frail appearance was widely attributed to famine in Gaza. The photograph appeared in global media, including on The New York Times' front page. Later reports confirmed that Mohammed suffers from a rare genetic disease that causes his appearance, leading the American newspaper to issue a correction.

A second widely circulated photo showed Abdul Qader Al-Fayoumi, 14, also appearing emaciated. But a Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) inquiry found that Abdul had been treated in Israel in 2018 for a genetic nervous system disorder.

Both images were initially distributed by outlets linked to Hamas, which has a long record of using emotive imagery to shape international perceptions of the conflict. The central criticism, however, has been directed at major media organizations that published the photos without apparent fact-checking.

The revelations come as evidence shows that Hamas diverts international humanitarian aid, while the United Nations has faced criticism for failing to ensure that food and medical supplies reach civilians in Gaza.

While reporting on the Gaza War is essential, failing to verify information risks undermining the credibility of journalism and amplifying disinformation campaigns.

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Trump was right: This is real starvation – and Hamas is proud of it

adin — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:00:11 +0000

Hamas has released a 4-minute propaganda video of Israeli hostage Evyatar David, who has been held in Gaza for 669 days. His appearance is shocking – skeletal, frail, and barely able to stand as he stumbles through the narrow underground tunnel where he's being kept.

In one harrowing scene, Evyatar is seen digging what appears to be his own grave under the watch of a Hamas terrorist. The contrast is striking: while David's condition suggests severe malnutrition, the hand of the Hamas operative, visible in the frame, appears healthy and well-fed.

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Hamas is holding hostages in inhumane conditions, methodically starving them while ensuring their own terrorists remain well-nourished, brazen enough to publish the evidence themselves.

Yet despite the shocking imagery, Evyatar's emaciated figure has been absent from most major international headlines. There are no top stories declaring, "Hostage starves in Gaza." The silence is deafening – and dangerous.

It's been less than two years since October 7, yet much of the world seems to have moved on. Evyatar David remains in captivity alongside 49 other hostages, their plight fading from global attention.

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Australian TV host slams protesters over Israeli hostage video

adin — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 13:20:47 +0000

Sky News Australia host Rowan Dean unleashed a withering critique Sunday against pro-Palestinian protesters throughout Australia, condemning demonstrators who participated in mass anti-Israel rallies following the release of harrowing proof-of-life footage showing kidnapped Israeli Evyatar David.

"Unless you are holding out banners for this man, Evyatar David, this is who you are supporting if you march on the bridge today, you are supporting the people who do it," Dean declared during his program, referencing Hamas terrorists who have held Evyatar David in brutal conditions for 667 days, while the video revealed the hostage's skeletal appearance.

Israeli hostage Evyatar David

"Hang your heads in shame, absolutely disgusting," Dean pressed forward. "You hypocrites, you say you're doing this for humanity, where is your humanity for this man? Where is your humanity, you disgusting grubs?"

Dean extended his condemnation to include political figures, stating, "If you're a politician and you're walking out there, don't ever expect a vote from any sensible Australian ever again," he concluded.

Anti-Israeli protesters gather outside Israeli restaurant Miznon on Hardware Lane in Melbourne, Australia, July 4, 2025 (Photo: Josh Stanyer/EPA)

Tens of thousands marched on Sunday in a major anti-Israel demonstration in Sydney, Australia, under the banner of the "Walk for Humanity." The protest took place amid growing domestic pressure on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to follow the UK and Canada in recognizing a Palestinian state. Alongside the growing anti-Israel sentiment, Australia's Jewish community has been hit by a sharp surge in antisemitic incidents since the start of the war.

This is not the first time criticism has been directed at the Australian people regarding their stance in the war against Hamas on this platform. Former Sky News presenter Erin Molan expressed her pro-Israeli position many times, and even criticized the United Nations and accused it of hypocrisy." Her strong pro-Israeli stance led many to think that her dismissal was related to this fact.

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Young Americans justify Hitler, call for Jewish genocide on viral podcast

adin — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 08:00:44 +0000

A viral FreshAndFit podcast episode sparked outrage when eight participants justified Hitler's Holocaust actions and escalated to openly advocating Jewish genocide, with one responding, "We must kill these motherf**kers" when asked how to target Jews.

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The controversial episode included participants stating "he [Hitler] had to do what he had to do," and justifying Nazi actions. They made inflammatory claims suggesting Jews caused their own persecution: "the Jews probably did something to the Germans... they started it," one stated, while another declared, "He was trying to save the world" regarding Hitler's actions.

Social media erupted with condemnation of the dangerous normalization of antisemitic rhetoric, as participants moved from justifying historical atrocities to advocating violence without apparent concern for consequences. The incident has raised troubling questions about the direction of American youth and their grasp of historical reality.

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Government actions have undermined Israel's standing

omrif — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 19:31:03 +0000

On March 2, following the end of the first phase of the hostage release deal and a temporary ceasefire, the Israeli government ordered a halt to humanitarian aid entering Gaza. Since then, developments on the ground and in the global media have severely damaged Israel's image, foreign relations, and international standing, arguably more than at any point in its history or at least in recent decades.

On May 26, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) began operations in the Strip, amid growing discourse on the humanitarian crisis. However, the foundation's work quickly descended into chaos. Failing to improve conditions on the ground, the escalating violence at aid distribution points became a mounting diplomatic liability.

The first major incident occurred on June 1, when, according to Hamas' health ministry, 31 Palestinians were killed. The IDF later stated its soldiers were not involved. Additional incidents, including IDF admissions of fire near distribution points, eroded trust in the military's statements. On Tuesday, the United Nations claimed that 1,054 Palestinians had been killed near GHF aid facilities or in related incidents.

Public Opinion Erosion

An attack on a GHF bus transporting workers home, where five were murdered by Hamas and others abducted, received little international attention. Headlines were instead dominated by the resignation of senior GHF officials, the foundation's suspension in Switzerland, and reports of its chaotic operations, including irregular and unpredictable distribution times. These issues did little to alleviate suffering in Gaza.

Hungry Gazans. The front page of Der Spiegel

Israeli leaders' rhetoric and plans further fueled global criticism. Defense Minister Israel Katz's proposal for a "humanitarian city" in the al-Mawasi area, intended to initially house 600,000 Palestinians and eventually the entire population of Gaza, sparked outrage. Katz said Palestinians would not be allowed to leave once relocated and would be encouraged to emigrate elsewhere.

Recently, Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu said "The government is moving toward wiping out Gaza," and added, "Thank God, we are erasing this evil." On the issue of famine in Gaza, he remarked, "We don't need to worry about hunger in the Strip. Let the world handle that."

Despite strong backing from the Trump administration and high-level visits to Washington, public support in the US has also waned, including among conservative voters. Three incidents perceived as harming Christians worsened the situation: the killing of a Palestinian-American during a clash with settlers; errant Israeli fire damaging a church in Gaza (prompting an angry phone call from Trump to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu); and an arson attack near a church in Taybeh that led Ambassador Mike Huckabee to visit the site. Even traditional Israel allies, such as Senator Lindsey Graham, voiced public criticism.

The New York Times' main article

Since March, global pressure on Israel has been building. On May 20, European Union foreign ministers opened an investigation into possible Israeli human rights violations. The resulting report concluded there were "indications" of wrongdoing. Mid-month, a sanctions proposal against Israel failed shortly after a deal with the EU to resume aid delivery to Gaza.

Starving babies

Had the vote taken place a week later, the outcome might have changed. "The killing of civilians seeking aid in Gaza is indefensible," Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said last week after speaking with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. "I made it clear that the IDF must stop killing people at aid distribution points. All options remain on the table if Israel fails to uphold its commitments."

Last week, images of starvation in Gaza dominated global front pages: malnourished children at aid lines, babies with exposed ribs and paper-thin skin. One image stood out: 18-month-old Muhammad al-Matouq, held by his mother and wrapped in a diaper made from a trash bag. The photo appeared on CNN, The New York Times, The Guardian, BBC, and even the conservative British tabloid Daily Express.

The British Guardian

Independent journalist David Collier published evidence suggesting al-Matouq had been ill since birth. However, even if true, such explanations, previously offered and possibly accurate, have done little to sway global public opinion. The international community views Gaza's most vulnerable as the conflict's primary victims. The soaring food prices in the Strip reflect a widespread, systematic crisis, as documented by numerous testimonies and photos.

A YouGov poll published in early June, before most of the violent events of June and July, showed the extent of Israel's image crisis in Western Europe. In countries like the UK, France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, and Spain, only 13–21% of respondents viewed Israel favorably, while 63–70% viewed it negatively.

Across the world, including among moderate and centrist populations, a significant shift in opinion against Israel is taking shape, and politicians in those countries are merely reflecting that growing sentiment.

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'Coup against Erdogan – Israeli takeover attempt'

omrif — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 05:15:43 +0000

Turkey marks nine years on Tuesday since President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government overcame the military coup that threatened his rule. Now, it appears that at least some of his supporters believe they have identified the "real culprit" behind the upheaval that rocked the nation.

In its special anniversary edition, Türkiye, a newspaper known for its unwavering support of the Erdogan administration, ran a front-page headline declaring, without a hint of irony, that Israel had masterminded the failed coup. "The July 15 coup was an Israeli occupation attempt," the banner headline read.

The subhead elaborated for readers: "As with all coups, it was the Zionists who stood behind the betrayal of the Fethullah Gülen terrorist organization. This time, their goal was to physically conquer Turkey."

Pro-Erdogan rally following the coup attempt. Photo: Reuters

Despite the dramatic claims, the newspaper presented no proof of Israeli involvement in the coup. The issue contained mostly anti-Israel opinion pieces and attacks on the late Fethullah Gülen, the exiled opposition figure blamed by Ankara for the coup attempt, which was carried out by military elements.

A failed coup that left 300 dead

On the night of July 15, 2016, just before midnight, a faction within the Turkish military launched a coup against Erdogan, who at the time was vacationing in Marmaris. The plotters identified themselves as the "Peace at Home Council" and claimed their aim was to restore a secular and democratic constitution in Turkey.

The council cited concerns over the erosion of secularism, the dismantling of democracy, human rights abuses, and Turkey's diminishing credibility on the world stage. The mutineers attempted to seize control of key sites in Ankara, Istanbul, and other locations. Turkey's government accused the Gülen movement of masterminding the coup, a claim Gülen denied, instead accusing the Turkish authorities of staging the event themselves.

The coup collapsed within hours but left at least 300 people dead and more than 2,100 wounded.

In its aftermath, Erdogan launched a sweeping crackdown, arresting more than 40,000 suspects, including 10,000 soldiers and 2,745 judges. Additionally, 15,000 educators were suspended and the licenses of 21,000 teachers were revoked. The event was widely condemned by the international community, but domestically, it served to significantly bolster Erdogan's grip on power.

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