Former employees, independent activists, influencers, and private companies that provided services for Israel’s national public diplomacy directorate (Hasbara) sue Israel’s Hasbara directorate. Millions of shekels in unpaid work since October 2023, following the Hamas attack and Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Two private companies provided studios for Israeli leaders and funded activism in Europe, claiming 2 million shekels ($650,000).

One company that provided studios for Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant claims over 500,000 shekels ($160,000).

Another company, Intellect, claims 1.5 million shekels ($487,000) for organizing flights and activities for pro-Israel influencers.

Eylon Levy, former government spokesperson, is owed money but is not participating in the lawsuit; he continues Hasbara work as an influencer.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office acknowledges irregularities in contracting but cannot provide details during ongoing legal procedures.

This lawsuit highlights that Israel’s war in the Middle East (Gaza, West Bank, Lebanon, Iran, Syria) is heavily supported by communication contractors who do not defend the truth or the public’s right to be informed, but instead promote Israeli propaganda in Western media, social media, and within political institutions. Hasbara efforts expanded after October 2023 due to understaffing. Since that time, Hasbara activities have also been funded through the foreign ministry and diaspora ministry, with budgets totaling over 670 million shekels ($219 million), including additional allocations for social media campaigns, bloggers, and international propaganda

Some hasbara campaigns:

Included influencing US college campuses, redefining antisemitism in US law, and offering funding to settlement municipalities for pro-Israel campaigns abroad.