Israel's $50 million influence campaign reaches beyond Iran ceasefire – report

Israel has reportedly allocated over $700 million in its 2026 budget to enhance its global image, a significant increase from previous years, with $150 million directed to the Foreign Ministry for public diplomacy in 2025. This initiative comes as a July Pew Research Center poll indicated that 69% of American adults hold an unfavorable opinion of the Israeli government. The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel has paid at least $50 million to US-based firms to influence American public opinion, retaining at least six firms and registering dozens of new foreign agents. Notably, former Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale was reportedly paid over $45 million to launch campaigns, including integrating "narrative messaging into Salem Media Network properties" and producing content for Gen Z audiences across social media platforms, aiming to combat misinformation and antisemitism. Parscale stated, "The existential threat to Israel is misinformation, from any side." Additionally, other firms are involved, with one group, Show Faith by Works, initially planning a geofencing campaign targeting megachurch members with pro-Israel messaging, though they later shifted to developing a mobile museum.