Experts Warn of Israeli Disinformation and Hasbara in Digital Battle Over Palestine
Researchers, activists, and digital rights experts convened for a webinar hosted by The Global Alliance for Palestine to address coordinated propaganda and disinformation efforts shaping global narratives on the conflict. Titled “Countering Israel’s 2026 Hasbara Industry,” the session highlighted how Israeli state-backed campaigns, including the “Esther Project,” utilize secret PR firms, paid influencer networks, and artificial intelligence to influence public opinion and deny allegations of war crimes. Panelists such as Anas Ambri and Tariq Kenney-Shawa discussed the lack of transparency in government-linked ad campaigns and the role of open-source intelligence in verifying incidents like mass graves in Gaza. Hala Hanina analyzed media patterns that obscure civilian impacts, while Lujane examined how AI-generated content reinforces specific narratives. Digital rights advocate Nadim Nashif raised concerns about algorithmic moderation restricting Palestinian voices, whereas Miriyam Aouragh noted the rise of counter-narratives. The organizers emphasized the need for improved media literacy and analytical tools to combat disinformation and understand information circulation during the ongoing conflict, aiming to equip participants with strategies to challenge distorted digital messaging.
Wire timeline
Experts Warn of Israeli Disinformation and Hasbara in Digital Battle Over Palestine
Researchers, activists, and digital rights experts convened for a webinar hosted by The Global Alliance for Palestine to address coordinated propaganda and disinformation efforts shaping global narratives on the conflict. Titled “Countering Israel’s 2026 Hasbara Industry,” the session highlighted how Israeli state-backed campaigns, including the “Esther Project,” utilize secret PR firms, paid influencer networks, and artificial intelligence to influence public opinion and deny allegations of war crimes. Panelists such as Anas Ambri and Tariq Kenney-Shawa discussed the lack of transparency in government-linked ad campaigns and the role of open-source intelligence in verifying incidents like mass graves in Gaza. Hala Hanina analyzed media patterns that obscure civilian impacts, while Lujane examined how AI-generated content reinforces specific narratives. Digital rights advocate Nadim Nashif raised concerns about algorithmic moderation restricting Palestinian voices, whereas Miriyam Aouragh noted the rise of counter-narratives. The organizers emphasized the need for improved media literacy and analytical tools to combat disinformation and understand information circulation during the ongoing conflict, aiming to equip participants with strategies to challenge distorted digital messaging.
Section Feed