Over the past several decades, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been one of the most divisive and protracted disputes in modern history. At its heart, the conflict centres on territory, national identity, and human rights. However, one of the most critical factors influencing global perceptions is Israel’s extensive use of propaganda. This strategy has shaped not only international opinions but also domestic public opinion, often framing its actions against Palestinians as self-defence or justified retribution. Critics increasingly point to the use of media, political rhetoric, and misinformation to disguise what some describe as genocidal acts.
This article examines the mechanisms through which Israel has employed propaganda to shift public opinion, support military operations, and suppress dissenting voices, with an emphasis on the implications for Palestinian lives and the broader regional and international dynamics.
A Historical Overview of Israeli Propaganda
Propaganda has been a cornerstone of Israel’s strategy since its formation in 1948. Following the Nakba, or “catastrophe”, when approximately 750,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homes, Israel’s leaders understood the importance of securing international support, particularly from Western countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. The newly formed state, surrounded by hostile neighbours, portrayed itself as a vulnerable democracy, constantly under threat from a hostile Arab world.
Throughout the 20th century, Israel cultivated an image of being a small, embattled nation surrounded by overwhelming Arab forces. Western media outlets frequently picked up on this narrative, repeating the idea that Israel’s survival was at constant risk and that its military actions were always defensive in nature. This portrayal ignored the complex dynamics of the conflict, particularly the growing displacement and disenfranchisement of Palestinians.
The Evolution of Israeli Propaganda in the 21st Century
With the advent of the internet, social media, and 24-hour news cycles, Israel adapted its propaganda techniques to maintain control over the narrative. The Israeli government and its allies have become adept at using modern digital platforms to disseminate messages, frequently framing its actions in Gaza and the West Bank as part of a broader “war on terror”. This narrative became particularly prevalent after the 9/11 attacks, when many Western countries, including the United States, engaged in their own campaigns against perceived terrorist threats.
Key to this strategy has been the portrayal of Palestinians, particularly groups like Hamas, as terrorists who threaten not only Israel but Western democracy itself. By linking the Palestinian resistance to global terrorism, Israel has been able to position itself as an essential ally in the fight against extremism. This framing has been crucial in justifying military operations that many human rights organisations have described as war crimes or even acts of genocide.
Moreover, this narrative shift often obscures the deep structural violence that Palestinians face, including the occupation of the West Bank, the blockade of Gaza, and the constant expansion of illegal Israeli settlements. These issues, central to the lived experience of Palestinians, are frequently overshadowed by Israel’s focus on terrorism, sidelining discussions about Palestinian rights and sovereignty.
Hasbara: A Coordinated Campaign
At the heart of Israel’s propaganda machine is Hasbara—a Hebrew term that loosely translates to “explanation” but is often used to refer to Israel’s public diplomacy efforts. Hasbara represents a systematic, organised campaign to promote pro-Israel narratives and counter criticisms of Israeli policies, particularly regarding its treatment of Palestinians.
This campaign takes many forms, from lobbying governments and pressuring media outlets to shaping the discourse on college campuses and social media platforms. Hasbara operatives, both official and unofficial, work to flood media with pro-Israel perspectives while discrediting any opposition as biased or anti-Semitic. By conflating legitimate criticisms of Israeli policy with anti-Semitism, these campaigns have effectively silenced many voices critical of Israel’s actions, creating a chilling effect on discourse around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Key Components of Hasbara:
- Social Media Campaigns: Israel has become highly proficient in using platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to spread its narrative. The Israeli government, alongside numerous NGOs and advocacy groups, funds social media influencers and bots to disseminate pro-Israel content while targeting and discrediting pro-Palestinian activists.
- Campus Advocacy: Pro-Israel advocacy groups like StandWithUs and AIPAC have a strong presence on college campuses, where they work to counter the growing pro-Palestinian movements and groups such as Students for Justice in Palestine.
- Media Control and Bias: Israel has developed close relationships with mainstream Western media outlets, ensuring favourable coverage of its military actions. Major news outlets often adopt the Israeli government’s framing, focusing on Israeli security concerns rather than the disproportionate casualties and destruction faced by Palestinians.
- Manipulation of Language
One of the most effective tools in Israel’s propaganda arsenal is the manipulation of language. Terms like “terrorist,” “self-defence,” and “collateral damage” are frequently employed to justify actions that have disproportionately harmed Palestinian civilians. The language used in official statements, media coverage, and political rhetoric often obscures the realities on the ground. For example:
- “Terrorist”: The label of “terrorist” is applied broadly to Palestinian resistance groups, reducing their efforts to senseless violence rather than addressing their roots in dispossession and occupation.
- “Self-defence”: Israeli military actions, no matter how aggressive, are often framed as acts of self-defence, even when they disproportionately harm Palestinian civilians.
- “Collateral damage”: The euphemistic use of “collateral damage” has become a staple in justifying civilian casualties during Israeli operations in Gaza.
By controlling the language used to describe the conflict, Israel has been able to create a reality where its actions are not only justifiable but necessary, even when international law suggests otherwise.
The Role of Western Allies in Propagating Israel’s Narrative
Israel’s ability to sustain its public relations campaign would not be as effective without the support of its Western allies, particularly the United States. American political, military, and financial support for Israel has been a linchpin in maintaining the occupation of Palestinian territories and ensuring international complicity in Israel’s actions.
American news outlets, particularly corporate media, frequently adopt Israel’s framing of the conflict, often presenting it as a battle between two equal sides rather than acknowledging the power disparity between a heavily militarized state and a stateless, occupied population.
Suppression of Palestinian Voices
Another critical aspect of Israel’s propaganda efforts is the suppression of Palestinian voices. Palestinians who attempt to share their experiences, advocate for their rights, or criticise Israeli policies are often met with heavy resistance, both online and in real life. Social media platforms have been accused of censoring pro-Palestinian content, and activists face targeted harassment.
The Israeli state’s use of propaganda to shape public opinion and justify its actions against Palestinians is both widespread and deeply entrenched. Through a combination of media control, language manipulation, and strategic alliances with Western powers, Israel has been able to obscure the brutal reality of its occupation and ongoing violence against Palestinians.
While the propaganda machine has been highly effective in maintaining this narrative, the rise of social media and alternative news platforms has begun to challenge Israel’s control over the discourse. As more people gain access to Palestinian perspectives, the international community may begin to see through the carefully constructed façade that has allowed Israel to maintain its occupation and oppression for so long.
Citations:
- Nakba and historical context – Encyclopedia Britannica: Nakba
- Israel’s 20th-century propaganda – Pappe, Ilan. “The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine.”
- Modern social media propaganda – Electronic Intifada
- Hasbara campaign analysis – Hasbara: The Israeli PR Machine
- US-Israel media framing – B’Tselem: Occupation Journalists
