Abstract

Introduction: In today’s world, films and television series, as multidimensional and influential media forms, play an increasingly significant role in shaping public opinion and representing political discourses. In recent years, this function has acquired new dimensions within online streaming platforms, particularly Netflix, which, through its global accessibility and content strategies, has become an influential actor in cultural and media diplomacy. This study examines the representation of the Zionist regime in Netflix-distributed series between 2013 and 2023, with a particular focus on the series Fauda. The research seeks to explore how media collaborations contribute to the dissemination and legitimization of specific political and cultural discourses.

Methods: This study employs a qualitative approach based on Stuart Hall’s theory of representation and uses semiotic analysis to examine the series Fauda.

Results: The findings indicate that the central concept in Fauda is “security,” which functions as both a moral capital and a legitimizing framework for the regime’s intelligence and military institutions. The series emphasizes themes such as counterterrorism, external threats, and national protection while marginalizing or omitting narratives related to occupation, Palestinian civilian suffering, and human rights violations. In addition, Palestinian resistance movements are frequently portrayed as extremist and destabilizing forces.

Discussion: The study concludes that Fauda, through selective representation and narrative exclusion, constructs a heroic, sympathetic, and legitimate image of the Zionist regime’s security apparatus. By foregrounding security discourse and suppressing critical perspectives, the series operates as a media instrument that supports the cultural and diplomatic objectives of the Zionist regime and contributes to the international normalization of its political image.