How TikTok Is 'Responsible' for Anti-Israel Protests
Israel President Herzog claims that global pro-Palestine protests are a result of “brainwashing” by the Chinese social media platform TikTok.
- Herzog points to TikTok as an anti-Israel propaganda machine.
- This plays into the public’s prejudices against Chinese influence.
On November 10th, Israel President Herzog blamed global public pro-Palestine protests and sentiment on brainwashing by Chinese social media platform TikTok.
In the interview with i24NEWS, in answer to BBC cutting and editing his 28-minute interview, Herzog explained that the situation goes beyond the BBC. According to the President, there is a part of the Western world that “does not understand that this is a war on their life, on their ability to enjoy decent liberal modern progressive democratic life.”
However, he finds solace in the fact that “most international leaderships understand this and are taking a firm position in supporting Israel.” He gave a special thank you to the Biden Administration for its continuous support.
Why am I telling you that last part?
Well, because in the same breath, President Herzog determines that the world we live in is that of “digital impacts,” of “brainwashing by TikTok and other things.”
There are seven major social media platforms. Yet, he names the only Chinese one widely used outside of China. Why not Facebook or Instagram? Surely for a man his age, those are the ones to first come up rather than Gen Z-riddled TikTok.
There are two things to consider. The first is political and the second is the public.
By its own admission, the U.S. has been Israel’s number one supporter since it declared its independence back in 1948. And they are not shy about the help they give Israel. In fact, since a 2019 memorandum, the U.S. has been providing $3.8 billion annually in military aid. After the recent escalations, the U.S. also sent guided-missile carriers and F-35 fighters, among other equipment. Even U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said while standing next to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, “You may be strong enough on your own to defend yourself, but as long as America exists, you will never ever have to. We will always be there by your side.” So, it is in Israel’s best interest to pander to the American government’s distaste of China.
Now, let’s talk about public opinion. We’ve been seeing increased support for Palestine across all platforms, specifically TikTok, where the younger generations live. Pair this with the American general public’s prejudice against anything Chinese, you get Israel’s best way to get public opinion on their side. The U.S. government has made sure to make the Chinese social media platform TikTok is seen to be the root of all evil and the reason why society is degrading.
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