Constructing the ''Self'' and ''Other'' in the Arab-Zionist Conflict: A Discourse-Historical Approach of Netanyahu's Speech and Nasrallah's Speech

Abstract

This study explores the discursive construction of the ''self'' and ''other'' within the context of Arab-Zionist conflict through the perspective of critical discourse study. Based on the Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA), the study analyzes two political speeches delivered in their original languages by Hassan Nasrallah and Benjamin Netanyahu, whose speeches represent contrasting ideological positions in the conflict, with the aim of analyzing how speech is used to express ideology and power relations in this contested context.  The analysis integrates three levels within the Discourse-Historical Approach: political and historical context, intertextuality and interdiscursivity and discursive strategies (referential strategies, Predicational strategies, argumentation strategies, perspectivization strategies and mitigation/ intensification strategies). This allow a deeper understanding of how both speakers construct polarized ideologies and legitimizing competing power relations. The findings show that both leaders construct the image of the 'self' and 'other' in a way that

support their political objectives. Each leader defines their own group as legitimate, while portraying the other side as a source of real threat. In addition, the findings illustrate that discursive strategies do not only reflect the conflict but rather, it is an effective tool to justify policies and mobilize the audience, this highlighting the significant role of discourse in the formation of ideologies during the conflict. This study contributes to critical discourse studies by explaining how discourse functions as an effective means in shaping ideology and perpetuating the conflict. It also emphasis the importance of historical context in the analysis of political discourse, especially in the context of Arab-Zionist conflict.