Introduction

Steve Bell, a satirical cartoonist with a four-decade-long history at The Guardian newspaper, had his contract terminated following accusations of antisemitism. The controversy revolves around his unpublished cartoon featuring the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The decision to end Bell’s contract was made after internal complaints were filed against his portrayal of Netanyahu.

The Unpublished Cartoon: Depicting Netanyahu in Surgery

Steve Bell submitted a cartoon that contemplated the Israel-Hamas war, featuring Benjamin Netanyahu conducting surgery on his own stomach. In this artwork, Netanyahu is shown wearing boxing gloves and holding two scalpels, while a flesh wound on his stomach bears a resemblance to the outline of the Gaza Strip. The cartoon includes the caption: “Residents of Gaza, get out now.”

The Accusation of Antisemitism

Although the cartoon was never published, The Guardian’s management considered it to evoke an antisemitic trope related to Shylock, the Jewish moneylender character from William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice.” The accusation stemmed from the cartoon’s alleged reference to the famous line from the play where Shylock demands “a pound of flesh” from another character.

Bell’s Response and Interpretation

Steve Bell, in response to the accusation, expressed his confusion regarding The Guardian’s interpretation. He argued that his cartoon had no direct reference to “The Merchant of Venice.” Instead, he viewed it as a commentary on Netanyahu poised to undertake a self-surgical operation with boxing gloves, hinting at potential catastrophic consequences. Bell stated that the inspiration for his work came from a cartoon by David Levine that depicted President Lyndon Johnson revealing an operation scar in the shape of a map of Vietnam.

The Guardian’s Decision

Following the controversy and accusations of antisemitism, The Guardian News and Media (GNM) decided not to renew Steve Bell’s contract. In their statement to the BBC, GNM acknowledged Bell’s four-decade-long contribution to the newspaper and expressed their thanks while wishing him the best.

Controversies in Bell’s Career

Steve Bell’s career has been marked by controversy. In March 2020, he faced criticism from former Home Secretary Priti Patel, who accused him of racism after he depicted her as a horned bull in one of his cartoons. Bell’s portrayal of Labour leader Keir Starmer holding a plate with former leader Jeremy Corbyn’s severed head in October 2020 also drew criticism, particularly as it was published shortly after a terror attack in Nice, France, where a beheading occurred.

Conclusion

The decision to terminate Steve Bell’s contract with The Guardian follows a tumultuous career that has seen both acclaim and controversy. The latest incident, involving accusations of antisemitism, has led to a parting of ways between the long-serving cartoonist and the newspaper. The case highlights the complex interplay between artistic expression, interpretation, and public sensitivities.

Feature image courtesy: Daily Mail

Fashion World Responds to Israel-Hamas Conflict: Major Events Canceled or Postponed