'Israel' fabricates PR plot to sway US officials over ongoing genocide

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The Intercept
30 Nov 2023 14:44

Senior Israeli military officials are providing exclusive briefings for US Congress members on the Gaza war in what is dubbed a "PR blitz".

Anti-war activists rally during a pro-Palestinian demonstration demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, at Freedom Plaza in Washington, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2023 (AP/Jose Luis Magana)

Senior Israeli military officials are providing exclusive briefings for US Congress members on the Gaza war, a report by The Intercept revealed. These briefings have intensified amid growing inquiries within the Capitol Hill regarding "Israel's" actions in the war, coinciding with increased calls for a ceasefire.

According to a source knowledgeable about the meetings in the Senate, there is an ongoing public relations effort by "Israel" facilitated by a select group of senators. The majority of recent briefings on the matter have been restricted to members only, excluding congressional staff and the general public, in what was dubbed as a "PR blitz".

On Monday, a briefing was set to take place with Senator Duckworth and three IOF senior officers. The memo read:

“Sen. Duckworth would like to invite your boss to a last-minute meeting" with Israeli officials to discuss several points, including "Israel’s strategy, how they are waging the war, and what to expect in the day after the scenarios."

The briefings began as calls for a ceasefire and global backlash reached the Israeli occupation's actions in Gaza. Demands for a ceasefire on Capitol Hill initially progressed gradually but have gained momentum in the past few weeks. As of Tuesday morning, a collective total of 43 members from both houses of Congress have advocated for a ceasefire. Senator Bernie Sanders, a progressive who had previously expressed support for "Israel" following the October 7 attack, mentioned on Tuesday that he is considering introducing a bill that would condition aid to "Israel", according to The Intercept.

The IOF, in an effort to control the narrative, has fabricated a "PR blitz to keep all senators at bay."

What appears to be unusual is not the act of holding a meeting itself, but the frequency, the secrecy, and the subjects being discussed. Senator Cory Booker refused to comment on the substance of the briefing, alluding to its secrecy. However, The Intercept indicated that the material was not supposed to be classified, opposing Booker's statement.

Senior Israeli military officials, including Maj. Gen. Tal Kelman, former head of the strategic directorate and Iran Division; Col. Itai Shapira, a former senior Israeli Intelligence officer; and Lt. Col. Yotam Shefer of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, were scheduled to conduct private briefings for members of the US Congress. The Israeli Embassy referred questions to the IOF, which have not responded to inquiries.

Briefings included an in-person session on Capitol Hill and another with retired Maj. Gen. Amos Yadlin, the former chief of Israeli military intelligence, who is expected to brief Sen. Martin Heinrich. Additionally, a closed screening of footage showing excerpts of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7 was organized by Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Marco Rubio.

“It’s important to bear witness in real-time,” Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., who contributed to the arrangement of the viewing, told reporters. “Sometime in the future, we’ll go — there’ll be a museum, there’ll be a memorial, there’ll be another Yad Vashem or Holocaust museum.”

A source said to The Intercept, "It isn’t a coincidence that these briefings are now happening as public opinion is shifting and the pressure to corral lawmakers and the recipients of their campaign contributions."

PR plot unnecessary: The US proves its unconditional support to 'Israel'

Despite "Israel's" insecurity in its American backers, the reality is that the US has immense leverage over "Israel" to force it to stop its genocide in Gaza.

US officials have advised "Israel" against a major strike that would result in an overwhelming humanitarian crisis that the world could not handle but that it must conduct more precise military operations.

This comes as the White House also demanded all limits on weapons and ammunition permissible to "Israel" from US stockpiles be lifted, a report by The Intercept revealed.

The lifting of limits was part of the White House's supplemental budget proposal, which was given to the Senate on October 20. "This request would allow for the transfer of all categories of defense articles," according to the suggested budget.

The billions of dollars the US has been providing the Israeli occupation with are clearly not enough for its genocidal actions, since the request is for unknown weapons depots in "Israel" that the Pentagon developed for use in regional crises.