WSJ: Israel Launches $50M Campaign to Influence US Public Opinion

DID Press: The Wall Street Journal has reported that Israel has launched a $50 million influence campaign in the United States, using a network of social media influencers, allies of Donald Trump, and artificial intelligence tools to shape American public opinion.

According to the report, the campaign involves sending millions of text messages to US citizens under fictional names such as “Emma” and “Sarah” from a group called “Friends of Peace.” The AI-generated messages reportedly raise questions about the impact of US-Israel peace negotiations with Iran on global security.

The messages are part of a reported $45 million contract with a company linked to Brad Parscale, a former adviser to Donald Trump, with funding provided by Israel.

The report cited polling data from the Pew Research Center, indicating that around 60 percent of US adults hold negative views of Israel, a trend analysts have linked to the handling of the wars in Gaza and Iran. The report said Israel is seeking to reshape its image through digital campaigns, technology tools, and outreach to conservative media platforms.

In response, US Vice President J.D. Vance accused Israeli influence efforts of attempting to undermine Washington’s negotiations aimed at ending the war with Iran. Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience, Vance claimed that some Israeli officials were trying to influence US public opinion to prolong the conflict.