Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to launch a new Twitter account in Arabic in an attempt to develop his relationships in the Middle East.

The move will allow his office to contact respondents directly in Arabic. The idea, said Mr Netanyahu's Arab media spokesman, Ofir Gendelman, was "[to strengthen] dialogue with Arab media and public opinion”.

Social media methods, including Twitter, proved to be a viable means of promoting Israel’s case during the latest conflict with Gaza.

IDF spokespeople regularly tweeted updates and explained steps taken by the Israel government in response to the attacks.