Israeli Gov't Exposed for $2M Covert Campaign to Sway US Politicians Using AI
June 5, 2024The Israeli government, through the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, funded a $2 million covert influence campaign.
The campaign was orchestrated by political marketing firm Stoic to sway US lawmakers and the public in support of Israeli military funding during the Gaza war.
AI was used to create fake pro-Israel accounts on platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
The campaign targeted black Democratic politicians like Representative Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Raphael Warnock.
Despite being detected and removed by Meta and OpenAI, the campaign had limited impact, with many followers likely being bots.
The campaign began in October following a terror attack by Hamas but has not succeeded in changing American public opinion.
Israel secured $1 billion in military aid from the US while the Gaza war has resulted in over 35,000 civilian casualties, as reported by Hamas-run authorities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address Congress amidst denials of involvement from the Israeli government.
The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs has not commented on the situation, raising concerns about Israel's responsibility in attempting to influence US politics.
Summary based on 9 sources
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Sources
Insider • Jun 5, 2024
Israel is going to great lengths to get Americans on its sideThe Verge • Jun 5, 2024
Israel reportedly used fake social media accounts to influence US lawmakersThe Sydney Morning Herald • Jun 5, 2024
‘Irresponsible’: Israel targets the US with secret influence campaign on Gaza war