Important information about the media disinformation practiced by Israel.
1. The World’s Recent View of Israel
- Global Views of Israel and Netanyahu, Spring 2025
Pew Research Center
A survey of 24 countries shows that a majority of respondents hold unfavorable views of Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu, with particularly negative perceptions in Europe and Asia. - Survey: What the World Thinks About Israel in 2025
Visual Capitalist
Visual breakdown of Pew data showing that only India, Kenya, and Nigeria had more favorable than unfavorable views of Israel. - Qatar to Discuss ‘New Threat Perception’ of Israel with Trump
MSN News
Following an Israeli strike in Doha, Gulf nations are reassessing their diplomatic posture toward Israel.
2. Israel’s Barring of Journalists from Entering the Gaza Strip
- CPJ and Global Media Leaders Call for Unrestricted Access to Gaza
Committee to Protect Journalists
Over 200 media organizations demand Israel allow independent international journalists into Gaza, citing press freedom violations. - Gaza: RSF, CPJ and Over 200 Media Outlets Call for Opening the Strip
Reporters Without Borders
Highlights the media blockade and the deaths of nearly 200 Palestinian journalists since the war began. - High Court Says Israel Can Keep Barring Foreign Reporters from Gaza
Times of Israel
Israel’s Supreme Court upheld the ban, citing security concerns and logistical constraints.
3. Israel’s Media Disinformation
- Towards Countering Misinformation and Disinformation in Israel
Israel Internet Association
A stakeholder analysis supported by the EU, mapping disinformation vulnerabilities and actors within Israel’s media ecosystem. - Dissemination of Disinformation Targeting Israel by Journalists via Social Media
DISA
Case studies of false reports and manipulated content that misrepresented Israeli actions in Gaza. - Netanyahu Uses QR Code at UN to Display Hamas Attack Visuals
WCPO
Netanyahu’s speech criticized “biased media” and promoted curated content to counter disinformation.
4. How Israel Spreads Its Narrative Online
- Inside Israel’s ‘Esther Project’: DOJ Filings Reveal Paid U.S. Influencer Campaign
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Documents reveal a multimillion-dollar campaign using influencers and AI tools to shape U.S. public opinion. - Israel Needs to ‘Reframe’ Its Message as Its Narrative Is Almost Lost
The Media Line
Analysis of Israel’s struggle to maintain narrative control amid global backlash and viral imagery.
5. Does Israel Pay to Improve Its Image in the Media?
- Israel Is Paying Influencers $7,000 Per Post
Responsible Statecraft
A breakdown of Israel’s payments to U.S.-based influencers under the “Esther Project,” with contracts totaling nearly $900,000. - How Israel Is Paying American Influencers to Shape Public Opinion
Forward
Details the strategic use of social media influencers to counter negative coverage and promote pro-Israel messaging. - Israel Boosts Propaganda Funding by $150M to Sway Global Opinion
Middle East Eye
Israel’s 2025 budget includes a dramatic increase in “Hasbara” funding to expand global media influence.
Documentaries related to the topic of Israeli media disinformation:
🎥 1. Atrocity Inc.
Director: Max Blumenthal
Overview: This documentary investigates how unverified and sensational claims—such as the alleged beheading of babies—were amplified by mainstream Western media without proper scrutiny. It argues that these narratives were used to justify Israeli military actions in Gaza and reveals the role of unreliable sources in shaping global opinion.
🔗 Watch via Al Jazeera Media Institute
🎥 2. Media in Israel: Information or Propaganda?
Produced by: ARTE
Overview: A short-form documentary examining how Israeli media has struggled to maintain journalistic integrity during wartime. It highlights the challenges of verifying information and the influence of state narratives on public perception.
🔗 Watch on ARTE
🎥 3. The Social Dilemma
Director: Jeff Orlowski
Overview: While not specific to Israel, this documentary explores how social media platforms amplify disinformation globally—including in conflict zones—through algorithmic manipulation. It’s relevant for understanding how Israeli narratives are spread online.
🔗 Featured in Factual America’s Fake News Documentary List
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