From David to Goliath: Coverage of Israel in the International Media

Why is Israel so often singled out in global media coverage? Why is it frequently portrayed as a disproportionate aggressor, while the Palestinians are framed primarily as victims? In this bold and timely book, Professor Eli Avraham examines leading British and American media outlets to uncover the structural and institutional forces shaping global narratives about Israel. He reveals recurring patterns in coverage and challenges prevailing assumptions about fairness and accountability in Western journalism. Moving beyond critique, the book analyzes both Palestinian and Israeli public relations strategies, explaining the weaknesses of Israeli public diplomacy and offering practical recommendations for reshaping the international conversation. Essential reading for policymakers, students, advocates and anyone interested in how global narratives are formed — and how they can be changed. Professor Eli Avraham, Head of the Department of Communication at the University of Haifa, is a leading expert in media, public diplomacy, crisis communication, and country/city branding. He has published numerous influential books and academic articles addressing antisemitism and strategic communication worldwide.