Israel spends millions to influence US opinion, WSJ reports

Israel has reportedly allocated over $700 million in its 2026 budget to influence US public opinion, a significant increase from previous years, according to the Wall Street Journal. This comes as a July Pew Research Center poll indicated that 69% of American adults hold an unfavorable view of the Israeli government. The report details that Israel has engaged at least six US-based firms, spending over $50 million, with a focus on conservative audiences and younger demographics. Notably, former Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale was reportedly paid over $45 million to launch campaigns, including integrating messaging into Salem Media Network properties and creating AI-generated content for Gen Z audiences. Parscale stated, “The existential threat to Israel is misinformation, from any side.” Another group, Show Faith by Works, planned a $3 million geofencing campaign targeting Christian communities in the American Southwest with pro-Israel messaging.