Sir Afilonius Rex

Madrid, 18th December 2025

What is Hasbara?

Hasbara, a Hebrew term meaning “explanation,” refers to Israel’s public diplomacy and propaganda efforts. These efforts aim at shaping international opinion in favour of its policies. This is particularly true regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It transcends mere PR. It functions as a strategic tool to control narratives, delegitimise critics, and portray Israel as a perpetual victim. It justifies its actions, including occupation and military operations. Government entities like the former Ministry of Strategic Affairs coordinate hasbara. It involves state funding. Volunteer networks and partnerships disseminate pro-Israel messages globally.

Historical and Strategic Context

Hasbara emerged as a reactive strategy to defend Israel’s actions domestically and internationally. It often responds to conflicts like the 1967 Six-Day War or more recent Gaza assaults. It draws on resources such as the “Hasbara Handbook.” The handbook trains advocates in propaganda techniques. They use these techniques to rebut criticisms. The aim is also to promote favourable rhetoric. The goal is narrative dominance. Strategies include imposing labels that predispose audiences to accept Israel’s version of events. These strategies also encourage self-censorship among critics.

Key Tactics

Hasbara employs a range of deceptive and manipulative strategies, often blending emotional appeals, disinformation, and saturation of the media. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Narrative Control and Framing:
   • Portray Israel as the victim and aggressors (e.g., Palestinians or Hamas) as irrational threats. For instance, conflicts are framed as “self-defence” against “terrorism,” downplaying Israel’s military superiority and initiatory actions.
   • Use selective language. Terms like “Hamas” replace “Palestinians” to dehumanise opponents. Events are recast to link ceasefires to demonised entities like Iran.
2. Disinformation and Fake News:
   • Spread hoaxes to sow doubt, such as “Pallywood” claims accusing Palestinians of staging atrocities (e.g., labelling the 2000 killing of Muhammad al-Durrah as a hoax).
   • Fabricate evidence: In 2023, Israeli accounts posted videos. They claimed dead Palestinian children were dolls or staged injuries from films. These claims were later debunked but had already gone viral.
3. Labelling and Delegitimisation:
   • Brand critics as “anti-Semitic” or “self-hating Jews” to discredit them and equate criticism of policies with hatred. This inhibits engagement and promotes ostracism.
   • Smear movements like BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) as terrorist-linked, pushing laws to criminalise them.
4. Human Shields Narrative:
   • Accuse Palestinian groups of using civilians as shields to justify attacks on infrastructure like hospitals. E.g., unsubstantiated claims of Hamas command centres under Al-Shifa Hospital in 2023 led to its siege. This happened despite no evidence being found.
5. Rhetoric and Tokenism:
   • Infuse humility and humanisation into narratives, e.g., “pinkwashing” (highlighting LGBTQ+ rights) or “veganwashing” (animal rights) to project progressivism and contrast with a “backward” Palestinian image.
6. Media and Public Targeting:
   • Saturate outlets with talking points; embed journalists under IDF censorship.
   • Mobilise networks: Religious leaders, think tanks (e.g., CAMERA), and “flash mobs” for online attacks.

Evolution to Hasbara 2.0: Digital Tactics

In the digital era, hasbara leverages social media for “astroturfing” (fake grassroots support). It uses paid campaigns and algorithm manipulation to prioritise pro-Israel content. Examples include announcing wars on Twitter (e.g., 2012 Operation Pillar of Defence), creating fake accounts, and suppressing pro-Palestinian posts via harassment or platform complaints. Despite expansions, it has backfired, amplifying global scrutiny during events like the 2014 Gaza war.

Criticisms and Effectiveness

Hasbara often fails to convince amid evidence of violations (e.g., ICJ rulings on occupation). It’s criticised as whitewashing crimes, fostering binary choices (Israel vs. terrorism), and eroding discourse through emotional manipulation rather than facts.

How to Effectively Counter Hasbara Tactics

Hasbara relies on emotional manipulation, deflection, and disinformation rather than facts. The best counter is calm, evidence-based responses that expose the tactics without falling into their traps. Here’s a practical guide:

1. Recognise the Tactic in Real Time

Identify what they’re doing:

• “That’s classic whataboutism” (deflecting with unrelated issues).
• “You’re conflating criticism of Israeli policy with antisemitism” (weaponising the label).
• “This is a victim-blaming/human shields narrative” (justifying civilian casualties).

Naming the tactic immediately disrupts their script and educates onlookers.

2. Stick Ruthlessly to Facts and Sources

Hasbara thrives on vague accusations and emotional appeals. Counter with verifiable evidence from reputable, diverse sources:

• International law: UN resolutions, ICJ advisory opinions (e.g., 2004 and 2024 rulings on the Wall and occupation).
• Human rights organisations: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, B’Tselem (Israeli org), Physicians for Human Rights.
• Avoid fringe sources; use ones even moderates respect.

Example response: “The ICJ ruled Israel’s occupation unlawful and called for settlement evacuation. That’s not opinion—that’s international law.”

3. Refuse to Engage on Their Terms

Common traps and how to sidestep:

• “Do you condemn Hamas?” → “I’m happy to condemn all violations of international law. This includes Hamas rocket attacks. It also includes Israel’s disproportionate response and collective punishment.”
• “Antisemitism accusation” → “Criticising Israeli state policy isn’t antisemitism, just as criticising Saudi policy isn’t Islamophobia. Conflating the two shields war crimes from scrutiny.”
• Whataboutism → “We’re discussing Israel’s actions right now. Other conflicts deserve attention, too, but they don’t justify violations here.”

4. Use Precise Language

Avoid loaded terms; they can twist:

• Say “occupied Palestinian territories” (legal term), not “disputed.”
• Say “illegal settlements/colonisation,” not just “settlements.”
• Say “apartheid” when appropriate (now used by Amnesty, HRW, B’Tselem).

5. Highlight Double Standards

When they accuse others of hypocrisy:

• Spain recognises Palestine in accordance with international law and the parameters of the two-state solution. Supporting self-determination isn’t hypocrisy; annexation despite UN resolutions is.”

6. Stay Calm and Human

Hasbara wants you angry and reactive. Respond with composure:

• Acknowledge legitimate concerns (e.g., Israeli civilian fear) while pivoting to facts.
• Never stoop to insults or generalisations about Jewish people.

7. End Strong

Close by redirecting to the core issue:

• The question isn’t Spain’s consistency. It’s about ending a 57-year military occupation. It also involves ensuring equal rights for all between the river and the sea.

Many thanks for reading.