Israel is spending tens of millions of dollars on an artificial intelligence-powered media campaign aimed at improving its image and influencing public opinion in the United States, according to a report published by The Wall Street Journal.
The newspaper reported that millions of AI-generated text messages have been sent to Americans in recent months from senders using names such as Emma, Sarah and John. The messages allegedly claim to come from a group called “Friends for Peace” and ask recipients questions related to Israel and Middle East security, including the impact of US-Israel peace talks with Iran.
According to the report, The Wall Street Journal was unable to find a registered nonprofit or company operating under the name Friends for Peace.
The campaign is reportedly part of a contract valued at more than $45 million led by Brad Parscale, former campaign manager for U.S. President Donald Trump. The newspaper said Sparkfire, the company behind the text messaging effort, had received approximately $6.5 million by mid-May.
The report also states that Parscale’s team created pro-Israel websites and online content designed to generate more favorable responses about Israel from artificial intelligence platforms, including ChatGPT and Claude.
More Read
According to The Wall Street Journal, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said last year that more than $700 million had been allocated in Israel’s 2026 budget to improve the country’s global image and help “shape consciousness.”
The newspaper added that at least six companies have been hired to support the campaign in the United States, while dozens of individuals have registered as foreign agents on Israel’s behalf.
The reported effort also includes more than $500,000 in advertising through conservative broadcaster Salem Media, where Parscale serves as chief strategy officer. Salem Media denied paying its hosts to promote specific political positions.
More Read
The Israeli Foreign Ministry did not respond to The Wall Street Journal‘s requests for comment.
