Israeli President Isaac Herzog believes TikTok played a large part in why many young Americans have opposed Israel’s war against Hamas terrorists in Gaza for two years.
In an interview published by Politico on Saturday, Herzog said he respects “every American citizen” and the debate they’re engaging in, but asked for the truth to be reported. He also encouraged Americans to practice discernment when it comes to getting their news from social media.
“All I’m asking is for fair reporting, not fake reporting, and not something superficial,” he said. “You cannot just buy a TikTok message, which you know immediately blames Israel, without understanding what’s behind it. We are operating in self-defense according to international law and we are trying to defend our citizens.”
But, Herzog added, there’s room for improvement in how Israel conveys its message.
“I think we have a major challenge in the way we explain ourselves. Israel definitely needs to improve in the way it explains itself,” he told Politico. “However, we are also trying to explain to everybody that sometimes it’s kind of a lost battle, because there are billions and tens of billions of dollars poured into this brainwashing machine which doesn’t want to tell the real truth. And we may be all alone, but we will keep on saying the truth: We did not seek this war. We did not want this war.”
A common claim among anti-Israel activists is that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. However, Israeli and American estimates of the country’s civilian-to-combatant ratio in the war show a historically low number of innocent casualties. The Israelis have also pointed to CIA data showing the population of Gaza increased during the war (while Hamas’s figures claim a 6% decrease), in addition to how Hamas’s use of schools and civilian locations to engage in terrorist operations has complicated their efforts to avoid civilian casualties.
Still, the genocide claims continue to gain popularity — especially on social media.
Israel recognizes the importance of social media used for influencing public opinion on the Gaza war.
While meeting with pro-Israel influencers in New York City in late September, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted his government views social media as a “weapon” to mobilize online support for the Jewish state. He said Israel would greatly benefit if the U.S. ally could secure influence over TikTok and X.
Netanyahu argued Israel’s control over TikTok would be “consequential.” He also revealed the Israeli government would have to talk to Elon Musk about seeking influence over X. The prime minister called Musk a “friend” to Israel.
Earlier in the new interview, Herzog said TikTok provides a “very shallow discourse of the current situation, pictures or viewpoints, and doesn’t judge from the big picture” regarding the Israel-Hamas war — the big picture being the close bond between the U.S. and Israel.
“Is Israel a strategic ally? Yes,” he continued. “Is Israel contributing to American national interests, security interests? Absolutely yes. Is Israel a beacon of democracy in the Middle East? Absolutely yes.”
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION BALANCES US SUPPORT FOR SAUDI ARABIA AND ISRAEL
The Israel-Hamas war ended in October with a ceasefire deal brokered by President Donald Trump, who remains a stronger ally to Israel than his predecessor.
Two months since securing the tentative peace deal, Trump said the second phase of the ceasefire will commence soon. Specific details for the next phase haven’t been finalized yet, but this stage of the peace plan is meant to address the postwar management of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. The first phase included the initial truce and swap of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, among other terms.