Cultural Propaganda
Israel’s government openly acknowledges its use of cultural initiatives to promote its image and divert attention from its apartheid policies. Former Israeli Foreign Ministry official Nissim Ben-Sheetrit admitted, “We see culture as a propaganda tool of the first rank, and do not differentiate between propaganda and culture.” This strategy, known as the “Brand Israel” campaign, seeks to present Israel as a beacon of civilization and culture while masking its oppressive actions against Palestinians.
A Missed Opportunity for Peace
Hamas, an acronym for Harakat al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyya (Islamic Resistance Movement), was founded in 1987 during the First Intifada. As a Palestinian Sunni-Islamist militant and political organization, it is recognized by some countries, including the U.S. and the EU, as a terrorist organization due to its armed resistance and attacks against Israel. However, it also functions as a political and social services provider, particularly in Gaza, where it has held power since winning the 2006 Palestinian Legislative Council elections.
