Media, PR, and International Perceptions of Israel – Briefing

Miri reflects on her unique role as a spokesperson to the international press during Israel's 2002 West Bank operation, describing the intense challenges of communicating Israel's perspective while global media often frames coverage through violence and conflict. She explains how her American upbringing helped her connect with global audiences, contrasts the portrayal of the IDF as faceless and negative, and highlights the difficulties Israel faces when its actions are filtered through an international lens prone to seeking sensational imagery. Miri emphasizes the need for Israel to proactively engage in the media narrative (Hasbara), cautioning against leaving the story solely to others. She discusses the inherent biases in all sides' reporting, noting that both Israeli and Palestinian narratives reflect their own interests, which complicates balanced coverage. Addressing persistent accusations (such as use of white phosphorus), Miri points out how misinformation spreads quickly and laments that the international audience tends to believe the underdog over official Israeli statements—something she sees as a core credibility challenge for Israel today.