The Guardian ends longtime cartoonist Steve Bell's contract over Netanyahu caricature
Guardian dismissed editorial cartoonist Steve Bell because he refused to print an anti-Semitic caricature of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The decision was revealed in the newspaper: «The decision has been made not to renew Steve Bell's contract.» This marks the end of Bell's four-decade association with The Guardian.
Steve Bell's Stint
Since 1983, Steve Bell has been a regular contributor to The Guardian, and his cartoons have appeared in the journal for over 40 years.
Several of his works, however, have been accused over the years as carrying anti-Jewish themes.
The Controversial Caricature
The recent controversy emerged when Bell shared a cartoon on social media. The caricature portrayed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a scalpel, seemingly preparing to make an incision in the shape of Gaza on his abdomen.
The accompanying caption read, «Residents of Gaza, get out now.» The cartoon was labeled «after David Levine» and appeared to draw inspiration from a Vietnam War-era illustration featuring U.S. President Lyndon B.
Johnson pointing at a scar in the shape of Vietnam.
Bell's Response
Following the backlash, Steve Bell defended his work, claiming that it was not intended to implant damaging anti-Semitic attitudes. He expressly denied referring to Shakespeare's Jewish character Shylock's demand for a «pound of flesh» in «The Merchant of Venice.» Bell firmly stated, «I don't promote harmful anti-Semitic stereotypes… Never have I done such a thing, I would not dream of doing such a thing,» as reported by the industry newspaper, the Press Gazette.
British Cartooning Tradition
The realm of British political cartoons has a long-standing tradition of depicting politicians in exaggerated and
