Framing Threats and Justifying Actions: A Multitheoretical Analysis of Avichai Adraee’s Facebook Discourse

Ala’eddin Banikalef; Luqman M Rababah; Othman Khalid Al-Shboul; Maryam Alipour; Tamara Krishan

doi:10.33806/ijaes977

Authors

Ala’eddin Banikalef Jadara University, Jordan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4526-9815
Luqman M Rababah Jadara University, Jordan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3871-3853
Othman Khalid Al-Shboul Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt, Jordan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6270-5909
Maryam Alipour Shinawatra University, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7084-7114
Tamara Krishan Al-Balqa Applied University, Jordan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1710-7704

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33806/ijaes977

Keywords:

accusation speech acts, critical discourse analysis, digital diplomacy, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Propaganda Theory

Abstract

This study uses multilayered theoretical frameworks, including Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), Speech Act Theory, and Propaganda Theory, to examine how the rhetorical and linguistic strategies used by Avichai Adraee in Arabic-language Facebook posts shape public opinion and justify Israel’s military actions. Using a qualitative approach,109 posts were collected from Adraee’s official Facebook page between September and November 2024. The findings show that Adraee's posts are not randomly constructed or shared; rather, they achieve systematic and strategic objectives. The analysis asserts that sharing these posts aims to depict Israel as a moral actor and peacekeeper while downplaying its adversaries’ actions. The findings show that Adraee frequently uses accusation speech acts to delegitimize adversaries, labeling them as terrorists, threats, and sources of instability. Furthermore, Adraee linked Hamas and Hezbollah to Iran, amplifying the perception of external threats. This study concludes that Adraee's posts are crucial digital diplomacy tools that use language to justify Israeli military actions and shape both national and international audiences. It recommends further research on digital media literacy in conflict zones and suggests expanding the analysis to include visual rhetoric.

Author Biographies

Ala’eddin Banikalef, Jadara University, Jordan

(Associate Professor)- Corresponding Author

Department of English Language and Literature/ Translation, Jadara University, Jordan

Email: alaeddin@jadara.edu.jo

Luqman M Rababah, Jadara University, Jordan

(Professor)

Department of English Language and Literature/ Translation, Jadara University, Jordan

Email: luqman@jadara.edu.jo

Othman Khalid Al-Shboul, Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt, Jordan

(Assistant Professor)

Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt, Jordan

ORCID Number: 0000-0002-6270-5909

Email: othman.shbool@bau.edu.jo

Maryam Alipour, Shinawatra University, Thailand

(lecturer)

Lecturer in English Language

Language and General Education Center, Shinawatra University, Thailand

Email: maryam.a@siu.ac.th

Tamara Krishan, Al-Balqa Applied University, Jordan

(Assistant professor)

Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, Zarqa University College- Al-Balqa Applied University, Jordan

Email: tamara_krishan@bau.edu.jo

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