Clashing Narratives: An Ideological Square Analysis of Daniel Hagari and Abu Obaida Speeches

Abstract

This study investigates the use of positive self-representation and negative other-representation in the speeches of two spokespersons, Daniel Hagari of Israel and Abu Obaida of Hamas, during the conflict that escalated after Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7th, 2023. Utilizing Van Dijk's framework for discursive strategies, the analysis focuses on micro-level strategies such as actor description, comparison, consensus, evidentiality, national self-glorification, presupposition, and victimization. Findings reveal that while both spokespersons employed similar strategies to shape public perception, Daniel Hagari heavily utilized the comparison strategy to highlight the moral superiority of the IDF over Hamas. In contrast, Abu Obaida frequently used national self-glorification to bolster the morale of his audience and emphasize the righteousness of Hamas's cause. The study underscores the role of strategic discourse in conflict situations and calls for greater awareness and research into the linguistic tools used to propagate ideologies during war.