Israel Bets Big on Diplomacy: Can 5,000 Visitors Shift World Opinion?

Israel is preparing to welcome one of the largest waves of foreign delegations in its history, as a coordinated effort aimed at countering anti-Israel sentiment worldwide.

According to the Foreign Ministry, nearly 400 delegations representing governments, parliaments, academia, media, and civil society are slated to arrive in the country before the year ends. The project, spearheaded by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, will involve more than 5,000 participants overall.

“This is not just about diplomacy,” a senior ministry official declared. “It’s about bringing people here to see the reality firsthand, so they can carry Israel’s story back to their own countries.”

A Massive Scale-Up

Until recently, Israel hosted roughly 25 delegations a year under similar programs, a fraction of the new numbers. The dramatic expansion reflects growing concern in Jerusalem over the spread of anti-Israel narratives in international forums, universities, and social media.

The groups will include lawmakers, journalists, cultural figures, influencers, and sports personalities, in addition to government officials and academics. Their itineraries are expected to feature high-level briefings as well as on-the-ground tours, including visits to the southern communities devastated in the October 7 Hamas attacks.

Shaping the Global Conversation

Israeli officials hope that personal encounters with survivors, soldiers, and policymakers will arm participants with credible stories and firsthand impressions that can shape debates abroad.

“The international discourse is often dominated by distorted or one-sided portrayals,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “Our goal is to provide a fuller picture of Israel’s challenges and values.”

A Test of Influence

Whether the initiative can significantly shift global perceptions remains to be seen. But for Israel, the effort represents a recognition that military power alone cannot secure legitimacy on the world stage.

“Diplomatic engagement is becoming just as critical as defense systems,” says one former ambassador. “Israel understands that every conversation abroad, every media appearance, and every influencer post can tip the scale.”