Israel Plans Major Campaign Against 'Incidental Damage' Film

Israel is launching a comprehensive public relations campaign to counter "Nezah," a film that won an award at the 83rd Venice Film Festival and which Israeli officials describe as a fabrication.

The campaign, spearheaded by the National Public Diplomacy Directorate, the Foreign Ministry, and the IDF Spokesperson's Unit, will utilize all platforms, with a focus on digital channels. "We are deep into this event," stated senior public diplomacy officials, emphasizing that the film falsely accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza. They assert that Israel's military operations are aimed at minimizing civilian casualties while targeting Hamas, contrasting this with Hamas's alleged use of civilians as human shields. The officials also pointed to specific instances where the IDF reportedly canceled or postponed strikes to avoid harming civilians, citing examples from June and February 2024.

The film's creators, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, are accused of presenting a distorted reality. "There are blatant lies in this film, such as the reference to 500 civilians," officials said, noting the IDF has issued denials. The Foreign Ministry and IDF will release official responses and content in coordination.

"Nezah" is seen as having significant diplomatic and informational repercussions. It reignites international discussion about destruction and death in Gaza, complicating matters for Israel's allies. Friendly governments may question Israel's strategy in Gaza, especially as public opinion and criticism mount. The film is particularly concerning because it was made by Israelis and reportedly features testimonies from IDF soldiers and officers.

Culture Minister Miki Zohar has called for the revocation of Israeli citizenship for the film's creators, citing treason and collaboration with the enemy. He has asked the Population and Immigration Authority and the Interior Ministry to investigate how the materials were obtained and if any actions aided the enemy during wartime. Philosopher Rafael Anzbach criticized Zohar's stance, arguing that such actions demonstrate intolerance and provide ammunition to Israel's critics. Gadi Eisenkot, Chairman of Yahad, condemned the filmmakers for presenting a distorted picture and morally denigrating soldiers defending Israel, calling it moral blindness and a disconnect from reality.

The film itself, shot in Tel Aviv during the Gaza war, reportedly includes interviews with 24 soldiers from Unit 8200, who allegedly provide testimony about the IDF's "incidental damage" policy, including the use of AI for targeting and alleged intentional killing of civilians and their families.