Israel's Ministry of Strategic Affairs
Summary
Israel's Ministry of Strategic Affairs (MSA) ran the Glazer Framework — a FARA-bypass architecture for covertly funding and directing diaspora influence operations through NGOs.
Definition
The Ministry of Strategic Affairs (MSA) was an Israeli government ministry that operated from 2006 to 2021, when it was merged into the Foreign Ministry. The MSA ran the Glazer Framework, a covert architecture for funding and directing diaspora influence operations through non-governmental organizations. By channeling government funds through private NGOs, the MSA avoided FARA (Foreign Agent Registration Act) registration requirements while maintaining operational control over influence campaigns. The MSA coordinated with organizations including AIPAC, the ADL, ELNET, and various Israel-aligned think tanks.
Background & History
The Ministry of Strategic Affairs was established in 2006 during the Second Lebanon War to coordinate Israel's strategic response to international delegitimization campaigns. Under Minister Gilad Erdan (2015-2021), the MSA dramatically expanded its covert influence operations, establishing the Glazer Framework to fund diaspora organizations without requiring FARA registration. The ministry worked closely with Sima Vaknin-Gil, who coordinated the Kela Shlomo fund and the Concert Kela entity. The MSA was merged into the Foreign Ministry in 2021, but its operational architecture continues through successor programs.
Operational Role in the Network
Government coordination node — the MSA served as the Israeli state entity that orchestrated the Glazer Framework FARA-bypass architecture. It directed funding to diaspora NGOs, coordinated with AIPAC and ELNET, and managed the Kela Shlomo/Concert Kela financial pipeline. 10 links in the network graph connect to the MSA, making it one of the most connected government nodes.
Primary Sources
- Handala Hack documents
- Glazer Framework investigation
- Network graph documentation