SHAPING PERCEPTIONS OF CONFLICT: A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU’S SPEECH AT THE 2024 UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Abstract

This study critically analyses the speech of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the United Nations General Assembly 2024 by incorporating Fairclough’s three-dimensional model of Critical Discourse Analysis, with the focus on the first dimension - The textual analysis. Quantitative and qualitative approaches are employed in the research process to unveil linguistic strategies applied by Netanyahu, his underlying ideology, and how it shapes the audience’s perceptions. Two powerful tools applied by the Israeli leader are: (i) Lexical devices, including the use of repetition and metaphors, and (ii) Grammatical features, including the we - you pronoun and active and passive voice. The investigation of the above-mentioned strategies demonstrates the success of the speaker in: first, reinforcing Israel’s determination in self-protection; second, accusing rival forces of committing genocidal actions in Israel and the ignorant attitude of the international community towards the issue; and third, provoking sense of compassion and responsibility of the international audience to jointly mitigate common issue.