Israel has earmarked an additional $150 million for its 2025 budget to reshape global opinion over its military actions in Gaza, according to the Knesset.Â
The new budget represents a 20-fold hike from previous years to boost its propaganda known in Hebrew as “Hasbara“. The term refers to Israel’s efforts to explain and justify its policies, often perceived as propaganda aimed at controlling narratives surrounding its actions.
Commenting on the increase, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said: “Israel’s hasbara efforts and consciousness warfare have for decades not received the critical and life-saving resources and tools they require.
“I am determined to make a change. Every shekel devoted to this cause is an investment, not an expense, and will strengthen Israel and its standing in the world.”
With the support of American Jewish organisations, the expanded budget aims to influence and target various platforms, including US college campuses where pro-Palestine protests have taken place, social media and international press outlets.
Critics have argued that this substantial investment seeks to justify Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have drawn international condemnation due to high civilian casualties and allegations of targeting civilian infrastructure.
In recent months, Israel’s attacks on medical facilities in northern Gaza have intensified, further escalating global condemnation of its actions.
The Israeli government continues to justify its military operations claiming it is part of its targeting of Hamas fighters. It has continuously accused Hamas of using schools, hospitals, neighbourhoods and factories as military areas and of using Palestinian civilians as so-called “human shields“.
It has also churned out satellite photos and excerpts of the “confession” of alleged Hamas detainees to back these claims up, yet none of the evidence is independently verifiable.
However, independent verification of these claims remains challenging, leading to scepticism and criticism from international observers. Israel has been accused of genocide in Gaza, with Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant facing arrest warrants over war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Since the onset of hostilities in October 2023, reports indicate that over 45,500 individuals have been killed in Gaza, with approximately 100,000 displaced, corresponding to around six percent of Gaza’s pre-war population.
