Beyond Mere Words: Unveiling the Speech Acts behind Netanyahu’s October 7 Speech

Abstract

Pragmatics, especially speech act theory, is crucial for analyzing political discourse. It goes beyond simple information exchange to reveal the strategic use of language for influence, persuasion, and action. This paper investigates the speech acts employed by Netanyahu in his speech delivered on 7 October, 2023, considering both his intent and the contextual circumstances surrounding his utterance. Findings revealed that 38.46% of Netanyahu’s speech is dedicated to assertives, 23.07% to directives, 15.38% to declaratives and 7.69% to commissives. Two statements were employed for two different purposes: assertive-directive (7.69%) and declarative-commissive (7.69%). Combining assertions with directives and declarations indicates that the speech emphasizes the delivery of information and action taken, with a degree of authority and commitment. This analysis also suggests that, through a strategic use of language, the speaker employs a calculated approach which aims to inform, guide, and persuade, emphasizing authority and purpose over emotional expression. However, this study, while offering insights into Netanyahu’s communication, is limited by its dependence on a single speech, which might possibly misrepresent his overall style and neglect broader contextual factors. To achieve a more comprehensive understanding and validate the findings, future research should expand data sources by analyzing more speeches for the same speaker, incorporate a wider contextual analysis, and investigate audience reception.