The battle for the truth: Israeli public diplomacy is at a critical test - opinion

<img align='right' src='https://images.jpost.com/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy/q_auto/c_fill,g_faces:center,h_4000,w_6000/709603' alt='The essential position of head of the National Information Directorate has been vacant since May 2024. The directorate is responsible for shaping the Israeli hasbara (public diplomacy) response in all fields. (photo credit: ABIR SULTAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)' title='The essential position of head of the National Information Directorate has been vacant since May 2024. The directorate is responsible for shaping the Israeli hasbara (public diplomacy) response in all fields. (photo credit: ABIR SULTAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)' /><br />The failure of Israeli public diplomacy is not a new phenomenon. Rather, it is the result of years of neglect, lack of coordination, and above all, the absence of clear and centralized leadership. <br />