Israeli gov't abandoned PR war, needs ‘army of hasbara’ led by ‘chief of staff’ - interview

Former Israeli UN ambassador Gilad Erdan, now leading a new right-wing party, called for Israel to create an 'army of hasbara' led by a 'chief of staff' of public diplomacy, saying the government had 'abandoned' the battle over Israel's global image. In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Erdan said Israel was losing support among American Democrats and younger Republicans, citing Turning Point USA leaders. He claimed his public diplomacy budget at the UN started at $10,000 for activities in New York, and contrasted Israel's spending with Qatar's 'soft diplomacy' despite Israel's larger GDP.

Former Israeli ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan, who on Thursday announced the launch of a new right-wing party together with MK Yuli Edelstein, called for Israel to establish an 'army of hasbara' (public diplomacy) led by a 'chief of staff' of hasbara, and said the government had 'abandoned' the battle over Israel's global image. In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Erdan said Israel's public diplomacy efforts were fragmented and underfunded, and that the government's neglect had led to Israel 'bleeding support from both American Democrats and younger Republicans.' He said he had been told directly by leaders of Turning Point USA that Israel was 'losing the young generation of the Republican Party.' Erdan said he had a 'comprehensive plan' for how to portray Israel 'in the right way' and 'be on the offensive,' including exposing 'the true face of our enemies, Qatar and others.' He cited a funding gap, noting his public diplomacy budget at the UN 'started with $10,000 for public activities in New York,' and contrasted Israel's spending with Qatar's 'soft diplomacy' despite Israel's larger GDP ($610.78 billion vs Qatar's $215.56 billion).