Israel is ramping up its military campaign against Lebanon, with thousands displaced and hundreds dead in the escalating conflict with Hezbollah. Alongside air raids and preparations for a land invasion, Israel is also employing psychological tactics to terrorize the population and manufacture consent for war. The “The Generals’ Plan” to ethnically cleanse North Gaza has also raised concerns, with support across the Israeli political spectrum.
Hasbara, or propaganda, has long been a cornerstone of the Zionist movement, with media-trained government spokespeople, PR campaigns, and online influencers shaping the narrative around Israel’s actions. As the genocide in Gaza unfolds, online hasbarists are facing increased challenges in defending Israel’s actions. Israeli author and influencer Hen Mazzig, Professor Saree Makdisi, and others are at the forefront of this effort, while critics like Tamara Nassar and Matt Lieb are calling out the propaganda machine.
The situation in the region remains tense, with Israel accused of manufacturing consent for an all-out war on Lebanon. The impact on civilians and the geopolitical implications are being closely monitored by experts and journalists like Habib Battah, Ori Goldberg, Zahera Harb, and Assal Rad. The international community is urged to pay attention to the escalating conflict and work towards a peaceful resolution to prevent further loss of life and displacement.
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