The world is watching Israel’s election while ignoring the Palestinian one - opinion

As diplomats, foreign journalists, and dignitaries seek insights into the intricacies surrounding Israel's October 27 election, a critical question emerges: do they extend the same level of attention to the upcoming Palestinian elections? The answer, it appears, is a resounding no. While the international media is fixated on scrutinizing Israel's political landscape, the Palestinian elections receive scant coverage, despite the dire need for such scrutiny.

The focus on Israel's far-right political figure, Itamar Ben-Gvir, is undeniable. Ben-Gvir's inflammatory rhetoric, advocating for the nightly killing of terrorists in Gaza and the death penalty for Jewish extremists, has garnered global condemnation. Yet, the international press has not merely covered Ben-Gvir's views; they have amplified them. The Guardian and the Los Angeles Times have published articles with headlines that reflect Ben-Gvir's extremist language, inadvertently reinforcing his radical agenda.

Likewise, Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has also been in the international spotlight. His campaign videos, filled with references to "booms," have been extensively covered by media outlets like The Telegraph, ABC News, and the Associated Press. The Turkey expert quoted in a Fox News article even drew a connection between Katz's aggressive stance and the escalating tensions between Turkey and Israel, suggesting that these are election tactics rather than genuine policy positions.

In contrast, the Palestinian elections are being largely ignored by the international media. The Palestinians are due to hold a parliamentary election in late October, a year after their last parliamentary vote in 2006 and a year after a presidential vote in 2021. The international media, however, has largely overlooked this, focusing instead on Israel's election and the rhetoric emanating from Ben-Gvir and other right-wing politicians.

Palestinian political expert, Khaled Abu Toameh, has criticized the international media for its lack of attention to the Palestinian elections. He argues that while the international press is fixated on Ben-Gvir and other right-wing Israeli politicians, they are ignoring the Hamas and other terrorist groups in the Palestinian elections.

Toameh warns that if the current trend continues, Hamas and other terrorist groups may gain significant influence, repeating their victory of 2006 and potentially leading to the emergence of radical leaders.

Moreover, the international media has not adequately explored the implications of Palestinian elections. For instance, the recent polls predicting a massive victory for convicted terrorist Marwan Barghouti in the 2027 presidential election have raised concerns among experts. However, the media has largely failed to report on these polls, thereby perpetuating a vacuum of information.

Additionally, the international media has not delved into the promotion of unrepentant terrorists within Palestinian society. The petition signed by over 200 international cultural figures, calling for the release of Marwan Barghouti, has garnered attention. However, this has not translated into a broader discussion about the nature of this convicted terrorist and his potential impact on Palestinian politics.

In conclusion, while Israel's election has captured global attention, the Palestinian elections remain under-researched and under-reported. This disparity in coverage is not only a missed opportunity for the international media but also a potential threat to international peace and security.