InflueAnswers · Publications
Propaganda and Psychological Warfare in the Israeli-Hezbollah Conflict
Weaponizing Information
This paper, by Ralph Baydoun, founder of InflueAnswers, examines psychological and information warfare through a focused case study on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon — highlighting how propaganda, data manipulation, and technological tactics are employed to sow discord and control narratives within a deeply divided society.
Building on the foundations of WWII-era psychological warfare strategies like Operation Cornflakes — where Allied forces used counterfeit mail to distribute anti-Nazi propaganda — the paper draws parallels to Israel's sophisticated information warfare against Hezbollah and the Lebanese population.
Since the escalation of Israeli aggression in Lebanon on September 23, 2024, Israel's information operations have primarily targeted two strategic objectives: data acquisition and societal destabilization. The systematic collection of personal data through surveillance campaigns and malware embedded in popular applications reflects a sophisticated approach to mass intelligence gathering, enabled by Lebanon's digital vulnerabilities and limited media literacy.
Concurrently, Israel has used information warfare to exacerbate existing political and sectarian tensions within Lebanese society. By selectively targeting Hezbollah-affiliated areas and triggering displacements, Israel has fueled distrust among communities, especially in areas hosting displaced populations. The psychological impact is amplified by disinformation campaigns spread through social media and messaging platforms like WhatsApp, which spread fake evacuation orders and misinformation, sparking panic and confusion among civilians.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah has conducted its own propaganda campaigns to counter Israeli influence and maintain an image of strength. These efforts include disseminating fabricated reports of military successes and recycling unrelated media content from other conflicts. Both sides employ psychological tactics designed to demoralize the other's population and bolster their own supporters' resolve.