In a shocking revelation, Google has been linked to a $45 million contract with the Israeli government to run a digital advertising campaign described as “hasbara” or state-sponsored propaganda. Signed in late June 2025, the six-month agreement, first reported by Drop Site News, involves promoting messages that deny the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly famine conditions, while amplifying controversial narratives. (Google’s $45M)
The campaign, initiated after Israel’s blockade of aid to Gaza on March 2, 2025, has sparked global debate about the role of tech giants in shaping public opinion. This article explores the details of the deal, its impact, and what it means for Pakistan and the world in 2025.
Details of the Google-Israel Contract
According to Drop Site News, Google entered into a $45 million agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office to support a public relations strategy labeled as “hasbara,” a Hebrew term for propaganda aimed at defending Israel’s actions. The campaign leverages Google’s advertising platforms, including YouTube and Display & Video 360, to spread messages that downplay the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Key Aspects of the Deal
- Contract Scope: Signed in late June 2025, the six-month deal positions Google as a “key entity” in advancing Israel’s messaging. It spans from June 17 to December 31, 2025, and includes ads on YouTube and other Google platforms. (Google’s $45M)
- Propaganda Content: The campaign promotes claims like “There is food in Gaza. Any other claim is a lie,” despite UN reports confirming famine conditions. A YouTube video by Israel’s Foreign Ministry, viewed over six million times, is part of this effort.
- Timing: The campaign began days after Israel blocked food, medicine, and fuel supplies to Gaza on March 2, 2025, triggering international outrage.
- Additional Spending: Israel also allocated $3 million for ads on X and $2.1 million through the French-Israeli platform Outbrain/Teads, indicating a broader digital propaganda push.
The campaign also targeted the UN, accusing its agencies of obstructing aid, and promoted the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, backed by Israel and Western allies.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The backdrop to this controversy is Gaza’s worsening humanitarian situation. On March 2, 2025, Israel imposed a complete blockade on food, fuel, and medical supplies, affecting 2.3 million residents. By August 2025, the UN’s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared Gaza a famine zone, with:
- Starvation Deaths: Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 185 deaths from starvation in August alone, including 12 children, the highest monthly toll since the conflict escalated in October 2023.
- Malnutrition Crisis: Over 43,000 children under five and 55,000 pregnant or breastfeeding women suffer from acute malnutrition.
- Total Casualties: Since October 2023, the war has killed at least 63,746 Palestinians and injured 161,245, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Despite this evidence, Israel’s ad campaign, facilitated by Google, denies the famine, drawing criticism for spreading disinformation during a humanitarian catastrophe.
Global and Local Reactions
The revelation of Google’s role has ignited widespread debate, particularly in Pakistan, where public sentiment often aligns with Palestinian causes:
- Outrage on Social Media: X users in Pakistan and globally have criticized Google, with some calling it complicity in “genocide propaganda.” Posts highlight the difficulty of finding English-language coverage of the crisis on Google, suggesting algorithmic bias.
- Ethical Concerns: Critics argue that Google’s participation raises questions about tech giants’ responsibility in amplifying state narratives. In Pakistan, where digital literacy is growing, such concerns resonate with calls for transparency.
- Previous Controversies: Google’s involvement in Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion cloud computing deal with Israel’s military, has already drawn scrutiny. The 2025 propaganda deal intensifies accusations of Big Tech’s role in geopolitical conflicts.
In Pakistan, where protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza are common, this news has fueled discussions about boycotting tech platforms that support controversial campaigns.
Implications for Pakistan and Beyond
The Google-Israel deal has broader implications for digital ethics and global narratives:
- Digital Manipulation: The use of tech platforms to spread state propaganda highlights the power of algorithms in shaping public perception, a concern for Pakistan’s growing digital audience.
- Humanitarian Awareness: In Pakistan, where solidarity with Palestine is strong, this controversy underscores the need for accurate information about Gaza’s crisis.
- Tech Accountability: The deal raises questions about whether companies like Google should be held accountable for amplifying disinformation, especially in conflict zones.
Globally, the controversy aligns with debates about ethical technology use, similar to discussions around data privacy and misinformation in Pakistan’s 2025 digital landscape.
What Can You Do?
For Pakistani readers and global citizens concerned about this issue, here are actionable steps:
- Stay Informed: Seek information from diverse sources, including international news outlets and X posts, to counter potential biases in search results.
- Raise Awareness: Share verified information about Gaza’s humanitarian crisis on social media to amplify authentic voices.
- Support Ethical Tech: Advocate for transparency from tech companies and support platforms that prioritize neutrality.
- Engage Locally: In Pakistan, join community discussions or campaigns supporting humanitarian causes to make a difference.
The Bigger Picture
The Google-Israel deal reflects broader challenges in balancing technology, ethics, and global conflicts. Just as Pakistan grapples with issues like digital access and misinformation, the international community faces questions about tech giants’ roles in shaping narratives. This controversy, unfolding in 2025, underscores the need for accountability in the digital age, ensuring platforms serve the public good rather than state agendas.
Final Thoughts
Google’s $45 million contract with Israel to promote propaganda denying Gaza’s famine has sparked outrage and raised critical questions about tech ethics. As Pakistanis and global citizens reflect on this issue, the need for transparency and accurate information is clearer than ever. By staying informed and advocating for truth, we can contribute to a fairer digital world.
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