Israel has allocated more than $45 million toward an AI-powered media campaign designed to sway American public opinion and improve the country's image, according to a report by RT referencing the Wall Street Journal. This initiative comes amid declining favorability ratings for Israel among US adults.

The RT report reveals that millions of AI-generated text messages have been sent to Americans over recent months under names like Emma, Sarah, and John. These messages, claiming to represent a group called Friends for Peace—which appears to have no official registration—pose questions such as, "How do you think the US and Israel’s peace talks with Iran will impact global security?"

The campaign is part of a broader contract exceeding $45 million awarded to a team led by Brad Parscale, former US President Donald Trump’s campaign manager. By mid-May, Sparkfire, the company managing the text messaging operation, had received $6.5 million. Parscale's group has also developed pro-Israel websites and online content aimed at encouraging favorable responses about Israel from AI platforms including ChatGPT and Claude.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar previously disclosed that West Jerusalem allocated over $700 million in its 2026 budget to enhance Israel’s global image and shape public perception. At least six companies have been engaged for this effort in the US, with roughly three dozen individuals registered as foreign agents working on Israel’s behalf, RT noted.

The campaign also includes more than $500,000 invested in advertising through Salem Media, a conservative broadcaster where Parscale holds the position of chief strategy officer. Salem Media has denied paying its hosts to push particular viewpoints.

Adding to the controversy, US Vice President J.D. Vance accused certain Israeli officials of attempting to manipulate American public opinion to prolong the conflict with Iran indefinitely, during an interview with podcaster Joe Rogan.

Why this matters

This massive AI-driven media campaign highlights the growing use of advanced technology in international influence operations. It reflects mounting tensions and shifting attitudes in US-Israel relations, as public opinion in the United States toward Israel has worsened substantially in recent years. The strategic investment in shaping perceptions underscores the importance of information warfare in modern diplomacy.

With AI-generated content increasingly common, transparency and scrutiny over such campaigns become vital to maintaining informed public discourse.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry has yet to respond to requests for comment on these developments.