Inside Israel’s costly US influence operation: big budgets, growing backlash

A recent report by Time magazine revealed that Israel paid Brad Parscale, Donald Trump’s 2016 digital campaign manager, approximately $1.5 million monthly for an influence operation targeting American public opinion, particularly young conservatives and MAGA supporters. This campaign, which included recruiting influencers and content production, aimed to improve Israel’s standing but reportedly had the opposite effect, even raising suspicions within the Trump administration about its intent regarding Iran policy. U.S. Vice President JD Vance publicly criticized these "very discreet, extremely well-funded campaign[s]," accusing Israeli-linked figures of undermining U.S. efforts to reach agreements with Iran. The report also highlighted a broader Israeli public diplomacy apparatus with unprecedented budgets, managed by the Foreign Ministry’s Director General Eden Bar Tal and external adviser Eran Shayovich, often without full coordination with professional staff or embassies. Despite hundreds of millions of shekels invested in digital campaigns, delegations, and PR firms, American public opinion, including among American Jews, has shown declining support for Israel, with a recent AP-NORC poll indicating that about one-third of Americans believe Israel committed genocide in Gaza. Critics argue these efforts not only failed but also damaged relations with U.S. political figures, raising concerns about bypassing traditional diplomacy. The Foreign Ministry denied the claims, stating they are "completely baseless" and that Israel does not conduct "influence operations" in the United States, adhering strictly to U.S. law.