Israel has spent over $1bn on propaganda since it began Gaza genocide

Israel has spent more than a billion US dollars on ‘hasbara’ — foreign influence — campaigns since 7 October 2023, according to new analysis by the Quincy Institute.

The figure is calculated from US ‘foreign agent’ registration and represents direct spending by the colony. Indirect spending through pro-Israel groups and billionaires is not included.

In the introduction to its paper, the institute says that it used:

FARA data, Israeli government procurement documents, and interviews with dozens of sources to trace the size and effects of this shift.

But the paper notes that even the $1 billion figure likely falls far short of Israel’s real direct spend.

Organizations conducting clear lobbying activities have failed to register as lobbyists, some new firms working for Israel have openly flouted transparency requirements, and paid influencers have not disclosed their financial relationships with the Israeli government.

Israel squanders cash

Despite this massive spending, Israel’s popularity has sunk like a stone because of its mass murders of  innocent Palestinians, wars on civilians and arrogant lies about its crimes. Even the most expensive lacquer can’t polish the turd of Zionism and its racist slaughters.

But alongside its failing propaganda war, the occupation is also driving state repression of speech and protest in Palestine to try to restore popular ignorance of its crimes.

Many western regimes, including successive UK governments, have collaborated in the war on the rights of their citizens to protect the colony.

Shutting that stable door comes long after the horse of global awareness has bolted, but politicians are at least cheaper to buy than airtime and online influence.

Featured image via Саша Алалыкин/ Pexels

By Skwawkbox

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