Lexicometric analysis of Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the UN: propaganda methods and polarization strategies

Abstract

This study conducts a lexicometric and discourse analysis of B. Netanyahu’s UN speeches  to explore how his lexical choices serve propaganda and polarization strategies. The corpus (speeches from 2012, 2014, 2023, 2024) was examined to identify the most frequent terms and their context. The findings reveal a Manichaean vision of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: the entity is portrayed as a defender of peace, while the enemy (Hamas…) is depicted as barbaric. Rhetorical devices (anaphora, metaphors, biblical analogies) strengthen this opposition.