featured
CBS is Now Owned by the IDF’s Largest Funder // Lee Camp
Lee Camp | Trusted Newsmaker
CBS, the Ellisons, and the Deepening Media–Military Nexus
The Ellison Acquisition
David Ellison, son of Oracle founder Larry Ellison, has taken control of Paramount, the parent company of CBS, in a deal facilitated by former President Donald Trump. This acquisition is not just a media story — it’s a geopolitical one. Larry Ellison, the world’s second-richest man, is also the largest private donor to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and a close friend of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
From Silicon Valley to the National Security State
Larry Ellison made his fortune through Oracle, a company that began as a project for the CIA under the name “Project Oracle.” Initially, the CIA was Oracle’s only customer, cementing a deep connection between Ellison’s business empire and the U.S. intelligence community. Over the years, Oracle expanded its client base but maintained significant contracts with U.S. national security agencies — and with Israel’s defense establishment.
Financial Ties to the IDF
Ellison’s support for Israel is not symbolic — it’s financial and substantial. He has donated tens of millions of dollars to “Friends of the IDF,” including a $16.6 million pledge for a new training facility. Oracle’s Israeli-American CEO, Safra Katz, has publicly stated that the company’s commitment to Israel is “second to none,” telling employees uncomfortable with that position that they should seek work elsewhere.
Reshaping CBS News
David Ellison has promised “unbiased” coverage at CBS — a promise many critics see as a shift toward right-wing, pro-Israel narratives. Reports suggest that journalist Bari Weiss, known for her staunch pro-Israel stance and critiques of so-called “woke” culture, may be appointed as CBS’s ombudsman. This would give her significant influence over the network’s editorial direction.
Buying Influence Beyond CBS
The Ellisons are also reportedly eyeing The Free Press, Weiss’s own media outlet, with an offer reportedly in the hundreds of millions. Critics argue this reflects a broader strategy: acquiring major media platforms to control narratives around Israel and Middle East politics.
Social Media and Censorship Concerns
The media expansion isn’t limited to television. TikTok, under scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers, has appointed former IDF soldier and Israel lobbyist Erika Mindel to oversee hate speech policy. Commentators point to cases where pro-Palestinian content creators were banned without explanation, suggesting an effort to suppress certain viewpoints under the guise of moderation.
The Gaza Coverage Controversy
Weiss has faced backlash for targeting Palestinian writer and educator Rafat Alarir after he posted satirical commentary on disputed October 7th attack claims. Critics say her public attacks contributed to a hostile environment that put him in danger; Alarir was later killed in an Israeli airstrike. Such incidents raise concerns about the intersection of media influence, political advocacy, and real-world consequences.
The Bigger Picture
The Ellison acquisition of Paramount/CBS is more than a corporate transaction — it’s a consolidation of media power by individuals deeply tied to military and intelligence networks. With control over one of America’s largest broadcasters, the ability to shape public discourse on Israel, Palestine, and U.S. foreign policy is immense.
As billionaires like the Ellisons expand their influence across traditional media and digital platforms, questions about press independence, conflict of interest, and censorship grow sharper. The CBS acquisition underscores how intertwined the media, political lobbying, and military funding have become — and how that mix can shape what the public sees, hears, and ultimately believes.
//
