In a candid and revealing discussion with a group of American social media influencers at Israel’s Consulate General in New York, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described social media platforms as a critical “weapon” in bolstering support for Israel’s right-wing policies in the United States. The comments, captured in a video posted by influencer Debra Lea on the social media platform X, have ignited widespread debate, particularly in light of Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, which have drawn international condemnation for their devastating humanitarian toll. Netanyahu’s remarks come at a time when Israel faces increasing isolation on the global stage, underscored by a notable walkout by numerous delegations during his address at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Social Media as a Strategic Tool
During the meeting, Netanyahu emphasized the pivotal role of social media in shaping public opinion and securing political support for Israel, particularly among conservative audiences in the United States. He described platforms like X and TikTok as instrumental in maintaining Israel’s influence abroad, calling social media “the most important weapon … to secure our base in the US.” This characterization of digital platforms as tools of geopolitical strategy reflects a growing recognition among world leaders of the power of online spaces to sway public sentiment and influence policy debates.
Netanyahu singled out TikTok as a particularly significant platform, referring to its potential acquisition as “the most important purchase going on right now.” He suggested that control over TikTok’s operations could have far-reaching consequences for Israel’s ability to shape narratives in its favor. The prime minister’s comments align with ongoing discussions in the United States about TikTok’s ownership, given its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, and concerns about data security and foreign influence. Netanyahu’s assertion that securing influence over TikTok could yield significant benefits for Israel has raised questions about the extent to which foreign governments view social media as a battleground for ideological and political dominance.
In addition to TikTok, Netanyahu referenced X, the platform owned by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. “We have to talk to Elon,” Netanyahu said, describing Musk as “not an enemy, he’s a friend.” This statement has fueled speculation about potential collaboration between Israeli officials and Musk, whose ownership of X has already sparked debates about the platform’s role in amplifying certain political voices. Netanyahu’s suggestion that influence over both TikTok and X could “get a lot” for Israel underscores the strategic importance he places on these platforms in countering criticism and building support amid the Gaza conflict.
TikTok’s Ownership and National Security Concerns
Netanyahu’s remarks come on the heels of significant developments regarding TikTok’s operations in the United States. On Thursday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order approving a deal that would transfer TikTok’s US operations to a consortium of American investors. The group, which includes tech giant Oracle, Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell, and media mogul Rupert Murdoch, is poised to take control of TikTok’s US business in a move designed to address national security concerns raised by US lawmakers. The deal stems from fears that ByteDance’s ownership of TikTok could allow the Chinese government to access sensitive user data or manipulate content to serve foreign interests.
The inclusion of Oracle in the consortium has drawn particular scrutiny, given the company’s founder, Larry Ellison, and his long-standing support for Israel. Ellison, a prominent philanthropist and tech industry titan, has been vocal about his admiration for Israel’s technological innovation and has made significant investments in Israeli startups and initiatives. Critics argue that Oracle’s involvement in TikTok’s US operations could provide a conduit for Israeli interests to influence the platform’s algorithms, content moderation policies, or data management practices. While no evidence has emerged to substantiate such claims, Ellison’s pro-Israel stance has fueled concerns among activists and analysts who fear that TikTok could become a tool for advancing Israeli government narratives, particularly in the context of the Gaza conflict.
The broader implications of TikTok’s ownership transfer are significant. The platform, which boasts over 170 million monthly active users in the United States, has become a powerful medium for political expression, activism, and information dissemination. Its algorithm-driven content delivery system has made it a key platform for younger audiences, who increasingly rely on social media for news and political engagement. The prospect of a foreign government seeking to influence such a platform raises complex questions about digital sovereignty, freedom of speech, and the role of technology in international relations.
The Gaza Conflict and Global Backlash
Netanyahu’s comments on social media strategy come at a time when Israel is grappling with intense international criticism over its military operations in Gaza. Since October 2023, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of nearly 65,600 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children, according to reports from humanitarian organizations and local authorities. The scale of the violence, coupled with widespread destruction of infrastructure and a deepening humanitarian crisis, has led to accusations of genocide and war crimes from human rights groups, international bodies, and several governments.
The war in Gaza, now approaching its third year, has its roots in decades of Israeli-Palestinian conflict, marked by competing claims to land, resources, and self-determination. The immediate escalation in October 2023 was triggered by a series of attacks and counterattacks, with Israel launching a large-scale military operation in response to actions by Palestinian militant groups. The ensuing campaign has involved extensive airstrikes, ground operations, and blockades, leading to catastrophic consequences for Gaza’s civilian population. Hospitals, schools, and residential areas have been heavily damaged, and access to food, water, and medical supplies has been severely restricted.
The international response to the conflict has been polarized. While some countries, including the United States, have continued to provide diplomatic and military support to Israel, others have condemned its actions as disproportionate and indiscriminate. The United Nations, human rights organizations, and activists have called for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid access, and investigations into alleged violations of international law. The walkout by numerous delegations during Netanyahu’s address to the UN General Assembly on September 26, 2025, was a stark illustration of Israel’s growing isolation. The largely empty hall during his speech symbolized the erosion of diplomatic goodwill and the mounting pressure on Israel to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Social Media and the Battle for Public Opinion
Netanyahu’s focus on social media as a “weapon” reflects the critical role that digital platforms play in shaping narratives around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Over the past decade, social media has transformed how information about the conflict is disseminated and consumed. Platforms like TikTok, X, Instagram, and YouTube have become battlegrounds for competing narratives, with activists, governments, and individuals vying to influence global perceptions of the war.
On TikTok, for example, young Palestinians and their supporters have used the platform to share firsthand accounts of life under occupation, document the impact of Israeli airstrikes, and call for solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Hashtags such as #FreePalestine and #GazaUnderAttack have garnered billions of views, amplifying voices that are often marginalized in mainstream media. At the same time, pro-Israel advocates have used social media to highlight Israel’s security concerns, defend its military actions, and counter accusations of human rights abuses. The algorithmic nature of platforms like TikTok and X means that content can spread rapidly, shaping public opinion in real time.
Netanyahu’s acknowledgment of social media’s strategic importance suggests a deliberate effort to harness these platforms to bolster Israel’s image abroad, particularly in the United States, where public and political support has historically been a cornerstone of Israel’s foreign policy. The United States provides Israel with billions of dollars in military aid annually and has consistently vetoed UN Security Council resolutions critical of Israel. However, growing public awareness of the Gaza conflict, fueled by social media, has led to increasing scrutiny of this relationship, particularly among younger Americans and progressive lawmakers.
Elon Musk, X, and the Question of Influence
Netanyahu’s reference to Elon Musk as a “friend” has raised eyebrows, given Musk’s influential role as the owner of X and his history of controversial statements on political and social issues. Since acquiring X in 2022, Musk has positioned the platform as a champion of free speech, reducing content moderation and allowing a broader range of voices to flourish. This approach has made X a hub for political discourse, including discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, it has also drawn criticism for enabling the spread of misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric.
Netanyahu’s suggestion that he intends to “talk to Elon” has sparked speculation about whether Israel is seeking to collaborate with Musk to shape X’s content or policies in ways that align with Israeli interests. While there is no concrete evidence of such collaboration, the prime minister’s comments highlight the growing intersection of technology, politics, and geopolitics. Musk’s public persona as a maverick entrepreneur and his willingness to engage with world leaders make him a potentially influential figure in this context.
The broader question of how platform owners like Musk navigate their responsibilities is a pressing one. Social media companies have faced increasing pressure to address issues such as hate speech, propaganda, and foreign interference, while balancing the principles of free expression. For Israel, securing influence over platforms like X could provide a means to counter negative narratives about the Gaza conflict and reinforce support among key audiences in the United States.
The Role of Influencers in Geopolitical Strategy
Netanyahu’s decision to meet with US influencers underscores the growing importance of non-traditional actors in shaping political narratives. Influencers, who command large followings on platforms like X, TikTok, and Instagram, have become powerful voices in public discourse. Their ability to reach millions of people directly, often bypassing traditional media gatekeepers, makes them valuable allies for governments seeking to influence public opinion.
During the New York meeting, Netanyahu engaged with influencers who have a history of promoting conservative and pro-Israel viewpoints. Debra Lea, whose account hosted the video of the discussion, is known for her right-wing commentary and support for Israel. By addressing this group, Netanyahu appears to be targeting a specific demographic—conservative Americans who are likely to be sympathetic to Israel’s security concerns and skeptical of criticism from progressive or international sources.
This strategy is not unique to Israel. Governments around the world, from Russia to Saudi Arabia, have increasingly turned to influencers to promote their agendas, whether by amplifying state-approved narratives or countering criticism. The use of influencers allows leaders like Netanyahu to reach audiences in a more informal and relatable way, potentially bypassing the skepticism that traditional media outlets often face.
Implications for Digital Diplomacy
Netanyahu’s remarks highlight the evolving nature of diplomacy in the digital age. As social media platforms become central to global communication, governments are adapting their strategies to leverage these tools for political gain. The characterization of platforms as “weapons” underscores the high stakes of this digital battleground, where control over narratives can influence elections, shape foreign policy, and sway public opinion.
For Israel, the stakes are particularly high. The Gaza conflict has eroded much of the country’s international support, with even traditional allies expressing concern over the humanitarian toll. By seeking to influence platforms like TikTok and X, Israel aims to counter this trend and maintain its strategic alliance with the United States. However, such efforts are not without risks. Attempts to manipulate or control social media platforms could backfire, fueling accusations of censorship or foreign interference and further damaging Israel’s global reputation.
Moreover, the ethical implications of treating social media as a geopolitical tool are profound. Platforms like TikTok and X are not merely conduits for information; they are spaces where individuals exercise their right to free expression and engage in democratic discourse. Any effort to exert undue influence over these platforms could undermine their credibility and erode public trust in digital spaces.
Conclusion
Benjamin Netanyahu’s admission that Israel views social media as a “weapon” to bolster its support in the United States marks a significant moment in the intersection of technology, politics, and conflict. His remarks, made amid growing condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, reflect a calculated effort to harness the power of platforms like TikTok and X to shape global narratives. The involvement of influential figures like Elon Musk and corporate giants like Oracle further complicates the landscape, raising questions about the role of technology in geopolitics.
As the Gaza conflict continues to exact a devastating toll, the battle for public opinion is intensifying. Social media, once seen as a democratizing force, has become a contested space where governments, activists, and individuals vie for influence. Netanyahu’s strategy underscores the high stakes of this digital battleground, but it also highlights the challenges of navigating a world where information, power, and ethics are increasingly intertwined.
The international community now faces a critical question: how can the power of social media be harnessed responsibly, without compromising the principles of free expression and transparency? For Israel, the answer to this question could determine its ability to maintain support in the face of mounting global criticism. For the world, it could shape the future of digital diplomacy and the role of technology in resolving—or exacerbating—global conflicts.
