A Significant Statement

Putin and Netanyahu

On April 6, Herb Keinon wrote an article for The Jerusalem Post titled, “Jpost Exclusive: MoscowSurprisingly Says West Jerusalem Is Israel's Capital.” His article covered the statement given by Russia’s Foreign Ministry. Jerusalem has never been acknowledged as the capital of Israel until recently in Russia’s statement. Negotiations regarding Palestinian-Israeli settlement have been held for years. Russia’s statement attempts to move forward with these negotiations as well as establish peace by allowing all people of belief to access the holy site of Jerusalem.

Herb Keinon has been a correspondent for The Jerusalem Post for over 30 years. His articles have covered topics such as immigration, politics, settlements, Jerusalem, and more. His bio on his website gives a brief insight as to the many experiences he has had as a journalist and lecturer, many of which have included a close-up view of some of the biggest challenges faced in the Middle East. He has also had two books published: French Fries in Pita and Lone Soldiers: Israel’s Defenders from Around the World.  

Keinon’s article mainly covers the statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry. The statement was madepublic on their website which anyone could access. Since the majority of his article includes direct quotes from the statement itself, it is safe to say the source was appropriately identified.

Keinon’s article includes a mix of direct quotes from the Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement and his own knowledge of the subject matter. For example, Keinon quotes the opening lines of the Ministry’s statement and follows it with his own statement claiming what a dramatic and unexpected change in attitude this is for Russia. Towards the later half of Kainon’s article, he only uses direct quotes from the statement but they are not followed by any of his own commentary or insight. While this does help ensure the reader is getting factual information, it does not explain why Kainon chose to quote those specific parts of the statement.

   

Keinon practically includes the full statement in his article. The first half of his article provides a general background of what was happening around the time this statement was made. In addition, he provides readers with a brief history of why this was newsworthy.

The only voices in the article are Kainon’s and the Russian Foreign Ministry’s. Kainon is stating that Russia is the only country to acknowledge Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Russia’s and Kainon’s statements are both agreeing with each other.

Keinon’s title can seem a bit misleading. It suggests that the purpose of Russia’s statement was to publically acknowledge their recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. A reader must continue to read the article to learn that there is more to it than that. Even Keinon’s subheading statement can continue the illusion that this article is only concerned with Russia’s new recognition of Israel’s capital.

Keinon’s article is significantly different than an article found in Haaretz that covers the same story. Barak Ravid of Haaretz wrote an article entitled, “Russia Says It Would RecognizeWest Jerusalem as Israeli Capital in Deal With Palestinians.” In his article, he explains that Russia’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital is contingent upon an issuing of a peace agreement. Keinon’s article does include the direct quote from the statement that says this, but it is not a central focus of his article. It is mentioned briefly, unlike Ravid’s article which frequently mentions it.

Keinon’s article has a rather neutral tone. He states facts and a majority of the article is him just directly quoting the statement so they are not even his words, necessarily. The only evidence Keinon provides is Russia’s statement. 

Keinon includes a video of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. This supports his general statement that this acknowledgement was quite significant. Using this video offers a reader more of an insight into relations between Russia and Israel. Included at the top of Keinon’s article is a big photo of Netanyahu and Putin smiling at each other (above).