Israel Launches Major Public Diplomacy Campaign in New York Ahead of UN Speech

Israel has launched a large-scale public diplomacy campaign in New York City, featuring approximately 500 billboards and dozens of trucks with digital screens, ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address at the UN General Assembly. The campaign, coordinated by the National Public Diplomacy Directorate under the Prime Minister's Office, aims to highlight the threats posed by Iran, particularly its nuclear and terrorist activities, and to underscore the strong alliance between Israel and the United States. Advertisements display the American and Israeli flags alongside messages such as "Freedom will not defend itself" and "A nuclear Iran cannot become a reality." One billboard poses the question, "Whose side are you on?" A specific message targets Iranian delegates, drawing attention to the difficult economic situation of the Iranian people. The Prime Minister's Office stated the campaign seeks to draw global attention to the perceived threat of the Iranian regime to the free world and to emphasize joint Israeli-US actions. Israel has conducted similar campaigns before previous UN General Assembly sessions. Last year's campaign focused on the October 7, 2023 events and the hostages held in Gaza.