Israeli Military Analyst Warns of Global "Tsunami" Against Israel

Avi Benyahu, former IDF Spokesperson, warns that Israel is facing an impending "international tsunami" of negative narratives and propaganda, stating that the controversy surrounding the film "Nezah" is merely the "preview." He argues that while the uproar over the film is understandable, revoking citizenship for its creators will not solve the underlying problem. Benyahu emphasizes that Israel is currently unprepared and lacks a strategy for the escalating battle for public opinion.

He asserts that the film is just the tip of the iceberg, part of a larger industry producing films, testimonies, books, and exhibitions aimed at shaping global perceptions. Benyahu criticizes the populist response of revoking citizenship, calling it a failure to understand public relations and suggesting it inadvertently elevates the creators to cultural heroes in many parts of the world.

Benyahu believes the discussion about the film and its creators should involve the Prime Minister, along with the ministers of defense, foreign affairs, justice, diaspora affairs, and the head of Israel's public diplomacy efforts, rather than just the IDF chief of staff. He describes Israel's public diplomacy as a "neglected arena."

Drawing on his experience as IDF Spokesperson after Operation Cast Lead, where he countered the "Breaking the Silence" organization's report, Benyahu advocates for a proactive and strategic approach. He notes that a single series like "Fauda" focusing on the October 7th events has achieved national-level public diplomacy, contrasting this with the current situation where awards are given based on political considerations rather than strategic public relations needs.