A deep-dive investigative report reveals that the Israeli government has launched a multimillion-dollar campaign aimed at shaping U.S. public opinion. The effort employs artificial intelligence, bots and social-media influencers, focusing in particular on evangelical churchgoers, young Americans and online discourse. According to the documents, contracts were signed with firms linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s digital-strategy team, and the campaign even seeks to influence how AI platforms such as ChatGPT handle topics related to Israel. Haaretz+2The New Arab+2
Contracts and Key Players
- Among the major contracts, one valued at about US $6 million was awarded to Clock Tower X, owned by Brad Parscale (former digital strategist for Trump’s campaigns). The contract covered strategic consulting, planning and execution of a U.S. campaign to combat antisemitism and bolster support for Israel. PNN English+1
- Another contract—roughly US $3 million—was awarded to a firm run by evangelical consultant Chad Schnitger (also referred to as Schnitzger) to raise Christian-awareness and target conservative churches and Christian colleges with geofenced digital messaging. The New Arab+1
- Additional contracts involve development of “bot-based programmes” to flood platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn with pro-Israel content, and what the documents call a “Search and Language Operation” to influence search results and conversational AI outputs. The New Arab+1
Methods & Technologies Used
- Artificial Intelligence & Generative Systems: The campaign explicitly targets not only social-media algorithms and search engines but also generative AI chat systems (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude) to shape how they respond to queries about Israel. This appears to be one of the first known state-level efforts to influence large language model outputs. The New Arab+1
- Bot Networks & Automated Amplification: Documents describe the use of automated bot-programmes and derivative content (thousands of derivatives per month) to amplify pro-Israel narratives and influence algorithmic visibility on social platforms. PNN English+1
- Influencer Campaigns and the “Esther Project”: One initiative, dubbed the “Esther Project”, recruits U.S. influencers to publish hundreds of posts each month in favour of Israel. Contracts list possible celebrity backers and target influencers across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter). The New Arab+1
- Geofencing and Religious Targeting: The campaign uses geo-targeting around churches and Christian universities in U.S. western states (California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado) to deliver pro-Israel messaging directly to churchgoers and students during worship or college hours. The New Arab+1
Official Narrative vs. External Findings
While Israeli official statements deny the use of paid influencers or geofencing operations, calling the reporting a “coordinated disinformation campaign” targeting Israel, the documentation obtained by several media outlets indicates a well-funded, multi-layered influence architecture. The New Arab+1
The strategy is described by some officials as part of a “digital Iron Dome” – a defence of Israel’s image and narrative in the online battlefield, combining traditional diplomacy with algorithmic and influencer-driven tactics. Haaretz
Implications & Ethical Concerns
- The campaign raises serious questions regarding transparency and ethics in digital public-diplomacy: governments’ use of influencers and AI systems to shape foreign public opinion.
- The targeting of religious communities through advanced marketing tools (e.g., geofencing) invites scrutiny about privacy, consent and the manipulation of faith-based constituencies.
- By attempting to shape outputs of AI chat systems and search engines, the campaign suggests a new frontier of state-influence that may affect public discourse, algorithmic neutrality and information ecosystems.
- For the U.S., the involvement of firms tied to American political campaigns and foreign-agent filings (FARA) adds layers of regulatory and legal interest (including whether full disclosures were made).
Key Figures & Data
- ~US $6 million contract with Clock Tower X for U.S. campaign targeting younger audiences via TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. PNN English+1
- ~US $3 million campaign targeting evangelical Christian audiences via geofencing and Christian-media networks. The New Arab
- Documents note the production of “100 core materials per month” plus “5,000 derivative versions” aiming for millions of impressions. PNN English
The investigation exposes a sophisticated and well-resourced effort by Israel to secure favourable narratives within the United States, especially among traditionally supportive constituencies whose views are shifting. For publishers, it underlines the importance of obtaining direct contract filings (e.g., via U.S. Department of Justice/FARA), exposing the intermediaries involved, and tracking outcomes of such campaigns (e.g., measurable shifts in opinion among targeted demographics). Also advisable is seeking commentary from the firms involved, U.S. political-consulting experts, and platforms addressed (social media and AI vendors) regarding how they handle state-sponsored influence operations.
