Pro-Israel groups 'shaping US university discourse on Gaza'

Israel has poured millions of dollars into campaigns aimed at shaping US legislation and university debates on Israel and Palestine, according to documents reviewed by The Guardian. 

According to Israeli parliament documents, Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli oversaw 32m shekels ($8.6m) and over 80 programmes in a relaunch of the organisation, Voices of Israel.

Since Israel's war on Gaza began on 7 October, Voices has been helping non-profits and other groups stifle pro-Palestine views in US universities, media companies, and legislative bodies.

Voices previously campaigned for state laws to punish Americans who engage in Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) activities against Israel.

Previously known as Concert, Voices was envisioned as a “PR commando unit” by ex-Israeli ambassador to the US Gilad Erdan. Its website declared its fundamental goal as to “enhance the image of Israel”.

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