Report: Israel Targeted US Lawmakers in Social Media Influence Campaign
Report: Israel Targeted US Lawmakers in Social Media Influence Campaign
The Facts
A report from The New York Times alleges that Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs spent $2M on a social media influence campaign that encouraged US lawmakers to support Israel's war in Gaza.
Citing four current and former Diaspora Affairs officials, the report alleges that the ministry hired the marketing firm Stoic to create hundreds of accounts that posed as Americans, and primarily targeted black Democratic lawmakers.
The Spin
Israel's optics concerns have little to do with their public diplomacy efforts. The fact that many in the West will sympathize with the rabidly antisemitic Hamas over Israel has more to do with their moral failings than Israel's efforts to convince us that they are fighting for survival in a region hellbent on their destruction. These influence efforts would not be needed if Israel's allies grasped what hatred the Jewish state is facing.
This report confirms what has long been known: Israel attempts to influence domestic US politics for the sake of their own interests. Lobby groups and influence campaigns have only accelerated these efforts in light of vanishing support for Israel's war in Gaza, as they now scramble to maintain the pro-Israel status quo. It would be beyond the pale for any other ally to interfere in America's politics to the extent that Israel does.
