LA Times Ad Promoting Israeli Tourism Omits Occupied Palestinian Territories

What happened

Middle East Eye Gaza reports that the Israeli Ministry of Tourism has placed a multi-page advertisement on the LA Times website promoting travel to Israeli cities, notably excluding any reference to the occupied Palestinian territories. The ad features an interactive map presenting Israeli cities from the river to the sea but omits the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, areas widely recognized under international law as occupied Palestinian land.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The ad markets nine-day tours that emphasize Israel’s ‘vibrant’ cities and ‘still’ deserts with cultural landmarks and beachfront activities, portraying a peaceful travel experience. For example, Tel Aviv is described as having beaches central to daily life, while Jerusalem is presented simply as a short drive away from Tel Aviv—a drive that Palestinians experience with significant delay due to checkpoints and segregated roads.

This depiction contrasts sharply with the ongoing situation, as Israel remains engaged in near-daily air strikes on Gaza, increased restrictions in the West Bank, and hostilities in multiple neighboring countries. The advertisement’s presentation also supports Israeli claims over occupied East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights without acknowledging the occupation status or the contested nature of these territories.

Known from the source

• The Israeli Ministry of Tourism placed a multi-page ad on the LA Times website promoting Israeli cities with a nine-day itinerary.
• The advertisement's map excludes occupied Palestinian territories: West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza.
• The ad describes Tel Aviv beaches, a short drive to Jerusalem, the Old City, and the Golan Heights as part of Israel without reference to occupation.
• Israel is engaged in ongoing conflict, including air strikes on Gaza and military activity in surrounding regions.
• The Israeli Ministry of Tourism has launched a $6.5 million campaign in North America to encourage tourism despite conflict.

What remains unclear

The ad’s release follows a $6.5 million campaign launched in North America by Israel’s Ministry of Tourism aiming to reassure potential tourists about safety despite ongoing conflict. This softer tourism narrative runs parallel to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s campaign strategy framing Israel as under persistent threat ahead of elections, underscoring the complex contrasting narratives coming from official Israeli sources.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verify exact content and imagery of the LA Times ad as described, including map omission of Palestinian territories. Confirm the quotes used in the ad about specific places such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. Confirm timing and funding details of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism’s North American campaign.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Middle East Eye Gaza. Open the source.