Israel's US spin doctors

By AK

January 3, 2001

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While Israeli soldiers continue to clash with Palestinians in the Middle East, Israel is also waging a war on another front, nearly 6,000 miles away: the war for American public opinion. And Israel has found American public relations firms to be valuable allies in their efforts.

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Some American PR gurus have gone so far as to help Israel for no charge, BRILL'S CONTENT reports. In October, an Israeli consul general met with 12 high-profile spin doctors who offered free advice on how the nation could avoid looking like a vicious Goliath opposite the Palestinians' innocent David. Among their suggestions: equipping soldiers with video cameras to document rock-throwing and armed Palestinians in the heat of battle.

Palestinian officials say Israel's public relations efforts have succeeded in solidifying US political support and preventing the international community from becoming actively involved in the Middle East conflict.

 

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