“Israel’s foreign ministry is reported to be establishing a special undercover team of paid workers whose job it will be to surf the internet 24 hours a day spreading positive news about Israel.

Internet-savvy Israeli youngsters, mainly recent graduates and demobilised soldiers with language skills, are being recruited to pose as ordinary surfers while they provide the government’s line on the Middle East conflict.

“To all intents and purposes the internet is a theatre in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and we must be active in that theatre, otherwise we will lose,” said Ilan Shturman, who is responsible for the project.

The existence of an “internet warfare team” came to light when it was included in this year’s foreign ministry budget. About $150,000 has been set aside for the first stage of development, with increased funding expected next year.

The team will fall under the authority of a large department already dealing with what Israelis term “hasbara”, officially translated as “public explanation” but more usually meaning propaganda….”

Jonathan Cook, “Israel’s Internet War”

http://www.counterpunch.org/cook07212009.html

Cynthia McKinney was prevented from boarding a flight in Washington DC.

Airline staff told her they had to intervene due to passport irregularities but organisers suspected more sinister motives.

McKinney is a veteran activist and stood in last year’s US presidential elections.

In December she was arrested by Israeli forces after she participated in a rally organised by the Free Gaza Movement.

Film festival organiser Faghri Hassan said after diplomatic intervention McKinney was on an SAA flight.