In recent weeks, Israel has escalated its conflict with Hezbollah, leading to mass displacement and casualties in Lebanon. There are reports of Israeli air raids and preparations for a land invasion, as well as psychological pressure tactics aimed at manufacturing consent for war. The situation has raised concerns among experts and commentators, including Habib Battah, Ori Goldberg, Zahera Harb, and Assal Rad.
Additionally, a new plan to ethnically cleanse North Gaza has caught the attention of the international community, with Tariq Nafi delving into the details and political support behind the proposal. The use of “Hasbara”, or strategic communication, by the Israeli government and online influencers has also been highlighted as a key aspect of shaping public opinion. This includes media-trained spokespeople, PR campaigns, and social media messaging.
Nicholas Muirhead examines the role of online hasbarists in promoting Israel’s narrative, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The article features insights from figures such as Hen Mazzig, Saree Makdisi, Tamara Nassar, and Matt Lieb.
Overall, the situation in the Middle East is tense, with Israel reverting to its wartime playbook to rally support for its actions in Lebanon and Gaza. The use of military force, psychological tactics, and strategic communication is a cause for concern among observers and experts who fear the implications for regional stability and civilian populations.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
