The most powerful Israeli lobbying group in the US is partnering with other Jewish special interest groups to launch a public relations campaign to influence media coverage of the war in Gaza, Middle East Eye (MEE) reported on 7 December.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) launched the new PR campaign, called the 10/7 Project, along with the American Jewish Committee, The Jewish Federations of North America, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish organizations.
The groups say they want to ensure support among both US political parties, Democrats and Republicans, for Israel’s bombing campaign in Gaza, which has killed over 16,000 Palestinians, the majority women and children, in just two months.
This comes amid increasing criticism of Israel from top US officials for the wide-spread killing of Palestinians in Gaza, including from Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
The lobby groups also wish to influence media coverage of the war away from the killing of Palestinians, and instead promote a “stronger focus” on the 1,200 Israelis killed and 200 taken captive by Hamas on 7 October. Some 100 Israelis remain captive in Gaza and under increasing risk of shelling by the Israeli army.
According to its website, The 10/7 Project will provide journalists with “expert commentators” and access to individuals impacted by the 7 October attack.
The Israeli army has sought to exaggerate atrocities carried out by Hamas on 7 October, falsely claiming that large numbers of children were beheaded and women raped.
The groups also say they will target media outlets and journalists for coverage of the war they consider “biased.”
“Through aggressive rapid response and a comprehensive media campaign, The 10/7 Project will work tirelessly to combat misinformation and inaccurate reporting about the Israel-Hamas conflict and continue shining a light on the victims and hostages of October 7,” Eric Fingerhut, president and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, said in a statement.
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL, said “there has been an onslaught of misinformation and conspiracy theories about the conflict and Israel circulating on social media and, in some cases, elevated by mainstream press outlets,” adding, that the project will help ensure the US public “verifiable, truthful, and balanced” coverage of the war.
The mention of conspiracy theories refers to Israeli media reports showing that, in addition to those killed by Hamas on 7 October, many Israeli civilians and soldiers had been killed by the Israeli army itself.
To regain control of the military bases and settlements taken over by Hamas on 7 October, and to prevent Hamas from taking soldiers and civilians captive back to Gaza, the Israeli military employed overwhelming firepower, including armed Zik drones, Apache helicopters, and Merkava tanks. In accordance with the Hannibal Directive, Israeli forces killed many of their own civilians and soldiers.
Israeli and Jewish lobby groups are also seeking to pass legislation to limit criticism of Israel in the US. “The US House of Representatives this week passed a resolution with an overwhelming majority that equates anti-Zionism with antisemitism, sparking backlash from lawmakers, advocates for Palestinians and progressive Jewish groups who say the measure could restrict free speech rights in the country,” MEE noted.
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