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In an upcoming virtual event, noted economist Dr. Shir Hever will address critical questions about Israel’s information landscape during the ongoing Gaza conflict, continuing his examination of what he describes as Israel’s increasingly unsustainable economic and political system.
The fifth installment of the “Israel’s Zombie Economy” series, titled “The Disinformation Bubble,” will feature Hever in conversation with Jadaliyya Co-Editor Bassam Haddad on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The discussion, broadcasting from Strasbourg, France, will delve into Israeli public perception of Prime Minister Netanyahu and the military campaign in Gaza, which Hever characterizes as genocide.
The session will specifically examine how information flows within Israeli society, including the accessibility of knowledge, the military’s use of artificial intelligence in Gaza operations, and questions of accountability for actions taken during the conflict. This continues the series’ broader examination of Israel’s economic sustainability amid ongoing warfare.
Previous installments of the series have explored interconnected aspects of Israel’s political economy during the conflict, including currency manipulation (“The War Currency”), defense industry dynamics (“The Counterrevolution of the Israeli Arms Industry”), social fragmentation (“Israel’s Breakdown into Tribes”), and financial stability questions (“Is Israel’s Economy on the Verge of Collapse?”).
Through these discussions, Hever has built a complex argument about Israel’s economic resilience despite what would typically be devastating circumstances: high casualties, economic contraction, and growing international isolation. According to promotional materials, the series reveals a society “held together by financial manipulation, arms industry profiteering, and deepening political fragmentation.”
Dr. Hever brings a unique perspective to these discussions. Born and raised in Jerusalem, he now resides in Germany after relinquishing his Israeli citizenship. He serves as Managing Director of the Alliance for Justice Between Israelis and Palestinians and maintains membership in the Jewish Voice for a Just Peace in the Middle East. Until recently, Hever coordinated the military embargo campaign of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement (BDS).
His academic credentials include extensive research on the political economy of Israeli occupation policies, apartheid structures, and defense industry dealings. Hever’s most recent book, “The Privatization of Israeli Security,” was published by Pluto Press in 2017.
The series host, Bassam Haddad, brings significant academic and media experience to the conversation. As Founding Director of the Middle East and Islamic Studies Program and Associate Professor at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government, Haddad has authored and edited multiple scholarly works on Middle Eastern political economy.
Beyond academia, Haddad co-founded Jadaliyya Ezine and serves as Executive Director of the Arab Studies Institute. His film work includes co-producing the documentary “About Baghdad” and directing the series “Arabs and Terrorism.” In 2017, the Middle East Studies Association recognized his contributions with the Jere L. Bacharach Service Award.
The series represents a collaboration between multiple organizations focused on Middle Eastern affairs and Palestinian issues, being produced by Jadaliyya and co-sponsored by Gaza In Context and Mondoweiss.
For those interested in attending the virtual event or accessing previous installments, more information is available at www.PalestineInContext.org.
The series comes amid continued international debate about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and growing economic pressures within Israel as the conflict extends far beyond initial timelines projected by government officials.
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13 Comments
Examining the role of disinformation in shaping public perceptions of the conflict in Gaza is a timely and important topic. I’m curious to learn more about the accessibility of knowledge and the military’s use of AI in these operations, and how they impact accountability.
Intrigued by this analysis of the disinformation landscape in Israel. The military’s use of AI in Gaza operations is a particularly concerning angle that deserves close scrutiny. Looking forward to the insights from this virtual event.
Agreed, the military’s utilization of AI in conflict zones raises significant ethical and accountability concerns that need to be thoroughly explored.
Examining the interplay between disinformation, economic factors, and military operations is a complex but important undertaking. I’m curious to learn more about how the Israeli public perceives the conflict in Gaza and the role of AI in shaping those perceptions.
The concept of a ‘disinformation bubble’ is concerning, as it can lead to a distorted understanding of reality and hinder meaningful progress. I hope this event sheds light on ways to promote greater transparency and fact-based reporting, even in the midst of complex geopolitical situations.
This series continues to provide valuable analysis of the complex economic and political challenges facing Israel. The concept of a ‘disinformation bubble’ is worrying and underscores the need for open, evidence-based discourse, even in the midst of ongoing conflict.
I agree, maintaining a fact-based and transparent public dialogue is crucial, especially when dealing with sensitive geopolitical issues. This virtual event should provide important insights.
Glad to see this important series continuing to examine the complex economic and political challenges facing Israel. The concept of a ‘disinformation bubble’ is worrying and highlights the urgent need for transparency and fact-based discourse, even in the midst of ongoing tensions.
I agree, maintaining an informed and objective public dialogue is critical, even in the midst of a conflict. Looking forward to the insights from this virtual event.
This is a timely and relevant topic given the ongoing conflict in Gaza. I’m interested to learn more about how information flows and perceptions are shaped within Israeli society. Accountability for military actions is a crucial issue that deserves thorough examination.
This series continues to delve into critical aspects of Israel’s political economy and the challenges it faces. The concept of a ‘disinformation bubble’ is worrying and highlights the need for robust, fact-based public discourse, even amidst ongoing tensions.
Fascinating analysis of the disinformation landscape in Israel. The military’s use of AI in Gaza operations is particularly concerning and deserves close scrutiny. Looking forward to the insights from this virtual event on promoting transparency and fact-based reporting.
Fascinating analysis of the disinformation landscape in Israel. It’s concerning how information flows and accountability can be distorted, especially during times of conflict. I’m curious to hear more about the military’s use of AI in Gaza operations and its implications.