Israel feared legal trouble over US advocacy efforts, leaked files suggest

Israeli government sought legal advice on a US federal law requiring disclosure of foreign-backed lobbying campaigns.

Leaked documents show that Israeli officials feared that the country’s advocacy efforts in the US could trigger the US law governing foreign agents.

Documents show that officials proposed creating a new American nonprofit in order to continue Israel 's activities in US while avoiding scrutiny under the law.

Documents detail concerns on the part of US groups over triggering Fara enforcement, concerns that officials say hindered their ability to conduct advocacy in the US .

A memo recommended creating a new American nonprofit which Kela Shlomo/Concert could funnel money through, thereby providing distance between US nonprofits and the Israeli government.

Brig Gen Sima Vaknin-Gill , a former intelligence officer and former chief military censor for the Israel Defense Forces , was copied on many of the emails.

Isgap has expanded its advocacy role in recent months .

The group took credit for influencing the contentious December 2023 congressional hearing with elite college presidents.

The Israeli intelligence officer involved in the formation of Kela Shlomo/Concert and the discussions about avoiding Fara registration, joined Isgap last year .