When the news is so confusing…
By Amy Zewe
The age of journalism with integrity—just the facts—seems to be waning. Many of the most trusted news sources on TV, in print, and even on the internet appear to be failing to comply with traditional rules and best practices in their news cycles. Opinion and commentary are posted as “news,” and most of the news’ content is from unverified or questionable sources. News agencies run stories with little more than rumors, innuendo, biased theories, agenda-driven narratives, and corrupted sources.
This journalism malpractice is abundantly evident in the news we see about Israel and its current war on terror, which includes no less than 7 hostile fronts (Gaza/Hamas, Lebanon/Hezbollah, terrorist factions in the West Bank, Yemen/Houthis, Syria, Iraq, and Iran), plus the global stage of public opinion. The tiny nation, about the size of New Jersey with about 10 million people (20% of whom are not Jewish) fights for its survival among a multitude of hostile neighbors and an international press determined to take the side its hostile adversaries. Israel has endured tens of thousands of rocket attacks originating from the Gaza Strip since 2005, not to mention the horrific ground invasion orchestrated by Hamas, which included other terror proxies and Gazan civilians. This event on Oct. 7, 2023, resulted in over 1200 innocent people murdered in the most barbaric ways. Thousands were injured and terrorized, 251 were taken hostage into Gaza (50 of whom remain captive as of July 1). Rockets continue to rain into Israel’s civilian population from Gaza despite careful ground maneuvers and progress made by the IDF. No other army in the history of recorded warfare has taken more care to prevent civilian casualties and provide aid to civilians than the IDF and Israel.
To the north, Hezbollah, based in Lebanon and supported (like Hamas) by Iran, has also killed and displaced Israelis with rocket attacks since Oct. 7, 2023. Houthis in Yemen, also funded by Iran, continue to fire rockets at Israel. Iran even openly attacked Israel unprovoked in April, sending more advanced and precise missiles than they give to terror groups into Israel’s civilian areas.
And then we had the 12-Day War. Many news reports claim that Israel openly attacked a sovereign nation without provocation, but this is incorrect. Intelligence confirms that Iran has funded and supported various terror proxies targeting Israel. Iran attacked Israel in April. Its publicly stated goal to erase Israel from the map and its efforts to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons are well known. Additionally, intelligence suggests that Iran may have been only weeks away from producing at least 10 nuclear bombs, not to mention their ballistic missile capabilities that could target Israel, Europe, and even the US.
Nevertheless, the news aims to inform the world that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, famine is imminent, and aid is being used as a weapon of war. Hamas’ public-facing ministry publishes false claims about casualty numbers that the press publishes without cross-checking.
Since Israel’s formation as a nation in 1948, all of its wars have been defensive. Peace with its neighbors has been the goal of Israelis for over 75 years. This is shown by the many peace treaties signed or attempted with neighbors. The culture and character of Israel focus on living peacefully, innovating, and being a blessing to the world. Despite prioritizing defense, Israel has made many innovations that most of the world does not recognize and continues to be a blessing.
Instead of listing all the news sources that are inaccurate or incomplete, it’s better to provide you with a list of where to go for accurate and fair news about Israel’s struggle for survival against its hostile neighbors. (This list is not exhaustive.)
For media watchdog reporting that will cite and correct mainstream news reporting, go to
www.Camera.org.
For news feeds that fairly report on events in the Middle East, including the war in Gaza, the following sources are recommended.
For solid commentary, consider the following:
For expert analysis of current events, visit www.Cameraspartnership.org subscribe to Dr. Tricia Miller’s free newsletter for expert insights into timely headlines. Download the free resources called “FactSheets,” and find helpful interviews and articles.
Most of the news sites mentioned above offer free email alerts you can subscribe to, social media feeds to follow, and apps to download onto your phone.
It may take some effort to sift through the chaff to find the wheat of truth, but dependable news reporting that keeps you properly informed is available. When you know the facts, you can defend Israel against falsehoods. You can also combat the antisemitism rooted in these lies. Moreover, you can pray more effectively and specifically for the peace of Jerusalem and stand as a voice for truth.
Shavua Tov!