Herzog slams anti-Israel TikTok for turning Americans against ally
Israeli President Isaac Herzog criticized a TikTok message that he believes has influenced many young americans to oppose Israel amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. In an interview with Politico, Herzog called for fair and truthful reporting rather than superficial or biased content on social media platforms like TikTok. he acknowledged Israel’s challenges in effectively conveying its outlook but emphasized that Israel acts in self-defense under international law.
herzog highlighted the widespread dissemination of anti-Israel narratives through social media, which frequently enough include unfounded genocide claims against Israel. He pointed to data showing a low civilian casualty ratio and the complications caused by Hamas using civilian areas for military purposes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also remarked on the importance of social media as a tool in shaping public opinion, expressing a desire for Israel to gain influence over platforms such as TikTok and X to bolster support.
The interview underscored the strong strategic and democratic ties between Israel and the United States. The article also referenced a ceasefire agreement in the Israel-Hamas conflict brokered by former President Donald Trump, with plans for further peace efforts to manage Gaza’s future.
Israeli president slams anti-Israel ‘TikTok message’ for turning young Americans against Middle Eastern ally
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.”
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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.
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