Representative Ritchie Torres Slams Alleged Israeli Campaign Targeting U.S. Lawmakers

Representative Ritchie Torres, known for his vocal support of Zionism, has publicly denounced what he describes as a covert influence operation by the Israeli government aimed at Democratic members of Congress, particularly targeting the Congressional Black Caucus. In a bold critique, Torres characterized this alleged operation as fundamentally racist and critiqued the portrayal of racial dynamics within the context of U.S.-Israel relations in the halls of Congress.

The controversy centers around an alleged $2 million initiative, reportedly conducted in partnership with a Tel Aviv-based marketing company. This sophisticated campaign is said to have leveraged fake social media profiles alongside advanced artificial intelligence tools, with the aim of disseminating pro-Israel narratives and persuading U.S. lawmakers to bolster support for Israel’s military initiatives.

Torres’s condemnation shines a light on the delicate and often complex interplay between race, politics, and international diplomacy, suggesting a grave concern over the integrity of foreign influence in the democratic process. His outspoken stance underscores a growing scrutiny of the tactics employed in the digital age to shape political discourse and policy orientation towards critical global issues.