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Perception Warfare as Both Threat and Opportunity in Israel's Post-October 7 Existential War
(Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Dr. Dan Diker - Hamas's cognitive war against Israel since the October 7 invasion has been a significant weapon. Perception warfare leaves a lasting impact on the international public and has led to a surge in antisemitism globally. Under Iran's guidance, Hamas and other terrorist groups use social and mainstream media to portray themselves as legitimate political entities and "freedom fighters." This strategy shapes perceptions among various audiences, including Israelis, Palestinians, and U.S. political circles. After the October 7 attacks, Hamas successfully weaponized classic Palestinian propaganda themes. Their disinformation campaign portrayed their barbaric mass terror assault as noble "resistance," altering global perceptions and garnering sympathy even from moderate Muslims and the international community. The global perception shift caused by Hamas propaganda positioned a radical Islamic terror organization against a democratic state. Israel must enhance its soft power capabilities to influence various audiences, including its enemies. Israel's enemies must perceive the loss and despair of a long war against Israel. Learning from historical examples (Soviets, Nazis, Chinese Communist Party, and Iran), Israel should educate its citizens to recognize enemy perception warfare and proactively use civilian soft power to shape foreign opinion. The writer is President of the Jerusalem Center.