Israel Invests Over $50 Million in AI-Driven Campaign to Shift US Public Opinion

Israel is conducting a large-scale influence campaign in the United States, spending more than $50 million to counteract declining American support amid conflicts in Gaza and Iran. The effort includes AI-generated text messages sent to millions of Americans from a group called Friends For Peace, asking about the impact of US-Israel peace talks with Iran. These messages are part of a contract exceeding $45 million with Brad Parscale, a former Trump advisor, who also manages pro-Israel messaging through conservative media outlets like Salem Media.

The campaign aims to combat misinformation from Iran and pro-Palestinian groups and improve Israel's image, as 60% of American adults currently hold a negative view of Israel according to a March Pew Research Center poll. Vice President J.D. Vance recently accused Israel of trying to undermine US negotiations with Iran to prolong conflict. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar disclosed a $700 million budget for 2026 to expand efforts to shape global perception.

Beyond AI text messaging, Israel has hired multiple firms and registered foreign agents in the US to support its influence operations. These include targeting evangelical Christian communities and American left-wing audiences, with plans to reach millions through geographic targeting and influencer marketing. Notable figures like Instagram influencer Yoav Davis and evangelical couple Stephanie and Caleb Raus have been involved in pro-Israel promotional activities.

Parscale’s AI-driven campaign also seeks to influence AI chatbots like ChatGPT to present more favorable information about Israel. His company, Sparkfire, received $6.5 million by mid-May for managing these AI conversations, which blend automated and human interactions. However, some recipients of the messages, like artist Beth Sardot, found the AI conversations repetitive and suspicious.

The campaign has drawn criticism for its scale and transparency, including concerns about foreign agents managing conservative media platforms. Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon questioned the propriety of such influence. Despite the extensive investment, Israeli officials acknowledge the challenge of reversing the decline in US public support for Israel amid ongoing regional conflicts.