India, July 3 -- If you are a sceptic when it comes to the efficacy of soft power, watch what Israel is doing. Acutely aware that it is being isolated on the global stage despite its military might, Israel is desperately trying to tidy up its image.

Interestingly, the movement to secure the rights of LGBTQ people is being instrumentalised to cover up its mass killing of Palestinians.

Israel is actively positioning itself as the only LGBTQ-friendly country in West Asia. It hosts delegations of LGBTQ activists from around the world, and this happened again at the recent Tel Aviv Pride. With its credibility on the decline, Israel is banking on activists to boost its status.

Literature festivals in India are no longer ecstatic about partne...