Israel’s efforts to influence American media coverage

In March 2011, the Israeli consulate in New York faced a challenge as an IDF delegation prepared for a PR tour in the U.S. Seeking media attention, they reached out to Act For Israel, a newly founded organization led by Israeli-American Noa Tishby. Leaked emails reveal that Act For Israel quickly arranged interviews with various influential U.S. media outlets, effectively working to promote an Israeli narrative. Such actions raised concerns about potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which mandates disclosure for activities intended to influence U.S. politics on behalf of a foreign government. Experts suggest these actions imply a systematic avoidance of transparency regarding Israeli lobbying practices in the U.S.

The leaked documents, associated with former IDF chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi, illuminate the close collaboration between Act For Israel and Israeli government officials, contrasting with the public portrayal of the organization as a grassroots advocacy group. The material implies that many pro-Israel activists have been engaging in activities requiring FARA registration, highlighting a long-held suspicion among experts about the extent of behind-the-scenes support for the Israeli government in U.S. public relations.

Conservative commentator Joshua Trevino, who initially distanced himself from allegations of serving Malaysian interests, appears to have had ties with Act For Israel as well. His involvement, including advising and media directing for the organization, suggests further violations of FARA. The documents indicate he assisted in orchestrating media trips to Israel, where participants were expected to produce articles promoting Israeli perspectives. The implications are significant, as unpaid activities also fall under FARA regulations, raising questions about the legality of Trevino’s efforts.

As Act For Israel’s activities persisted, Tishby and her co-founder actively sought funding from pro-Israel groups, positioning their efforts as crucial in combating perceived de-legitimization of Israel. The organization’s outreach secured endorsements from high-ranking Israeli officials and aimed to influence public opinion against movements challenging Israeli policies. Such endeavors reflect a strategic alignment with governmental interests, potentially exacerbating the complexities of foreign influence in American politics.

While Act For Israel seems to have dissolved since its peak, some affiliated individuals, like Tishby, have continued to shape public perceptions of Israel. Tishby registered as a foreign agent only recently but past activities suggest a broader scope of influence than disclosed. With ongoing collaboration involving PR efforts aimed at Israeli narratives—especially regarding hostages—questions linger about the transparency and legality of such endeavors under FARA, indicating a potential area for scrutiny by authorities in the future.