What's Happening?
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has appointed Naor Gilon as the head of its newly established public diplomacy directorate. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to counter hostile influence campaigns and improve Israel's global image, which has been
under strain since the events of October 7. Gilon, a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in Europe and the United States, is tasked with integrating advanced capabilities and methods to combat psychological warfare from adversaries such as Iran, Russia, China, and Qatar. The directorate will focus on digital media, strategic communications, and content production to enhance Israel's public diplomacy efforts.
Why It's Important?
The establishment of this directorate is significant as it represents Israel's proactive approach to addressing international perception and influence operations. By centralizing public diplomacy efforts, Israel aims to strengthen its global standing and counteract negative narratives. This initiative is crucial for maintaining diplomatic relations and securing international support, particularly in light of increasing geopolitical tensions. The allocation of over two billion shekels in the 2026 state budget underscores the importance Israel places on this endeavor, highlighting the potential impact on its foreign policy and international alliances.
What's Next?
The next steps involve the full establishment of the directorate and the implementation of its strategic initiatives. Gilon will lead efforts to recruit experts in various fields to bolster Israel's public diplomacy capabilities. The success of this initiative will likely be measured by Israel's ability to shift global narratives and mitigate the influence of adversarial campaigns. Observers will be watching how effectively Israel can leverage these new resources to achieve its diplomatic goals and whether this approach will lead to tangible improvements in its international relations.
