Israel Runs Influence Campaign Targeting Trump Supporters to Counter Iran Deal

Israel conducted a covert influence campaign aimed at young conservative Americans within former President Donald Trump's base to prevent them from distancing themselves from Israel. The campaign, revealed by Time magazine on July 14, 2026, criticized Trump's decision to sign a memorandum of understanding with Iran. It was led by Brad Parscale, Trump's former presidential campaign manager, who was hired by Israel to manage a digital operation primarily targeting Generation Z audiences on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and podcasts.

The campaign produced around 100 original content pieces monthly, with at least 80% directed at young conservatives. Influencers in private chat groups received suggested post drafts for social media and were paid based on engagement. One notable figure involved was Eyal Yakobi, a young Jewish influencer known for pro-Israel content. Parscale acknowledged the campaign's goal to maintain conservative youth support for Israel but denied orchestrating opposition to Trump's Iran policy.

Despite the extensive efforts, Israeli officials expressed disappointment with the campaign's results, with one source stating, "We are angry at Brad Parscale. He was supposed to improve the situation, but it only worsened." Meanwhile, frustration grew within the White House, where officials believed the campaign evolved into an influence operation conflicting with Trump's political interests. They accused Parscale of exploiting his perceived closeness to Trump to push narratives undermining the president's efforts to end the conflict with Iran.

An American intelligence official commented on the seriousness of foreign-funded influencers attempting to sway the president's stance, emphasizing that such actions cannot be dismissed lightly. The campaign remains ongoing but has strained relations between Israeli and American officials regarding its impact and intentions.