Report: Israeli Social Media Influence Campaign Allegedly Targeted US Lawmakers
Report: Israeli Social Media Influence Campaign Allegedly Targeted US Lawmakers
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
Any alleged influence efforts at all wouldn't be necessary if Israel's allies grasped the unfair, toxic environment Israel is facing. Too many in the West are sympathizing with Hamas over Israel because of their moral failings and pro-Hamas social media influence. No connection to this alleged campaign is confirmed, but from a broader perspective, Israel has every right to conduct a robust public information campaign to ensure its survival.
Now we know for certain that Israel is brazenly attempting to influence US politicians for the sake of its own interests. Israel and pro-Israel lobbying groups are increasing their efforts in desperation because of the unpopularity of the country's war in Gaza. This is an egregious violation of US national security — a foreign influence that wouldn't be tolerated if it were from any other country.
