The Lancet: How an Anti-Israel Propaganda Platform was Turned Around
[Excerpts]
The British publication The Lancet is one of the most influential medical journals in the world, and for many years, was used as a major platform for anti-Israeli demonization campaigns under the façade of science and medicine. Between 2001 and 2014, 264 articles on Palestinian and Israeli issues were published, a majority consisting of political opinion or commentary with little medical content.
However, in September 2014, these attacks abruptly ended. Horton accepted an invitation from doctors at Haifa’s Rambam Hospital to visit Israel, and in public appearances and media interviews, expressed regret.
The following analysis takes a close look at the history of The Lancet’s anti-Israel narrative, the role of Horton and other key players, and the processes and factors by which this role was brought to an end. On this basis, I will ask the question of what lessons can be learned from this case regarding the use of various platforms for anti-Israel campaigns, particularly among academic and scientific frameworks.
