Israel to Recruit College Students to Promote Policies Online

Would not have to disclose relationship with the government

With diplomacy migrating to social media and young activists increasingly shaping policy, Israeli authorities intend to tap university students to bolster the country's sagging image. 

According to Israeli media reports Tuesday, the government plans to recruit hundreds of bilingual students for an online army of hasbara, a local term for public diplomacy, to launch counter-campaigns against critics of its policies.

As many as 550 bilingual students could join the project to post, tweet and blog pro-Israel content in return for scholarships and stipends.