Since October 7, 2023, the power of imagery in conflict has exceeded that of traditional weaponry. Graphic visuals of suffering from Gaza, captured on smartphones, have a profound impact on public perception, often overwhelming propaganda. This shift has challenged Israel's historical narrative, with even notable supporters questioning the government's actions. The rise of social media platforms has further amplified these images, emphasizing virality over context. As a result, public opinion is increasingly swayed by raw depictions of destruction, leading to greater unrest concerning Israel's role and actions, affecting societal psychology.
Since October 7, 2023, the war of images has eclipsed the war of weapons. Every pixel captured on a smartphone strikes deeper than a missile.
The horrifying images of the Israeli army massacring people at aid distribution locations prompted newspaper Haaretz's Gideon Levy to write on June 29: Is Israel perpetrating genocide in Gaza?
Once, Israel's narrative was protected by the gates of editorial rooms and the gravity of Western guilt. But the smartphone shattered those gates.
For decades, Israelis were conditioned to see themselves in a particular light amidst conflict. The psychological toll of this visual war is reverberating deep inside Israeli society.
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