Netanyahu calls in influencers as Israel faces global backlash over Gaza

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Tuesday that Israel risks economic and diplomatic isolation over international criticism of its military actions in Gaza and called for a major investment in media and social media influence campaigns to protect the country’s reputation.

Speaking at a finance ministry conference, Netanyahu said foreign investment has stayed steady since Israel’s 12-day strike on Iran in June, which he described as neutralizing a nuclear threat. But he admitted Israel faces growing international pressure, including potential sanctions, due to global outrage over its Gaza operations.

Netanyahu singled out European minorities promoting “anti-Zionist and radical Islamist ideology” and countries such as Qatar, which supports the Al Jazeera network, for shaping global opinion online. “This leads to sanctions against Israel and distorts its international reputation… and results in a type of isolation for Israel,” he said.

The prime minister urged Israel to reduce reliance on foreign trade and bolster domestic industry, including defense and weapons production, to avoid being “blocked not only in research and development but also in actual industrial output.”

Opposition leader Yair Lapid fired back, blaming Netanyahu’s government for the isolation. “This is the result of failed and misguided policies,” Lapid wrote on X. “They are turning Israel into a third-world country. Israel can return to first-world success and a thriving economy, but only if the government changes course.”