Israel Responds to Controversial Gaza Documentary 'No Other Land'

Israel has launched a formal, international public relations campaign to counter the documentary film 'No Other Land,' which premiered at the Venice Film Festival and has sparked significant controversy. The film, based on anonymous testimonies from 24 Israeli soldiers and intelligence personnel, alleges serious issues with Israel's targeting policies in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has distributed a "messaging paper" to all its embassies worldwide, instructing diplomats on how to respond to the film's claims and its international reception. This effort is part of a broader national information campaign involving the IDF Spokesperson's Unit and other government ministries.

Israel's central message is that the film "turns the truth upside down," with the Foreign Ministry labeling it a "fictional work serving as a cover for Hamas propaganda" and a continuation of a "campaign of lies and distortions" against Israel. A key focus is the film's claim, echoed by some interviewees, that actions in Gaza constitute "genocide." Israel officially denies this, stating that "there is no genocide in the Gaza Strip" and that those who claim otherwise are either lying or misunderstand the term. The Israeli position emphasizes that the IDF operates in accordance with international law, adhering to principles of distinction between military targets and civilians, proportionality, and caution, and that operations are routinely canceled if civilian harm is disproportionate. The IDF also states that it provides advance warnings when possible.

Israel's defense also highlights Hamas's tactics, accusing the organization of systematically embedding its personnel and military infrastructure within the civilian population, using them as human shields, and intentionally increasing Palestinian casualties for propaganda purposes. Regarding a particularly sensitive claim in the film about an approved strike that could have killed around 500 people, Israel unequivocally denies this, stating that the IDF never planned, approved, or carried out such an attack and that no verifiable evidence supports the claim. The film's allegations about the use of AI systems like "The Gospel" and "Lavender" are also addressed, with Israel asserting that AI tools assist but do not independently make operational decisions, which remain under human command and control.

Furthermore, Israel points to the anonymity of the interviewees as a weakness, arguing that many serious accusations rely on individuals whose identities, roles, and even participation in events are unverifiable. The IDF maintains its own investigation and oversight mechanisms for addressing alleged irregularities. The Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, has strongly condemned the film, calling its criticisms "blood libels" and "deliberate distortions of reality," and has ordered an examination of potential legal actions against the film and its participants.

Internationally, major news outlets like The New York Times, Le Monde, El País, Reuters, and Al Jazeera have extensively covered the controversy, often framing it as a reflection of a growing gap between how Israel perceives the war and how it is viewed by a significant portion of the global community. The Guardian, a co-producer of the film, expressed concern over what it called Israel's "authoritarian response" and pledged to defend the film and its creators against censorship attempts. The film has thus evolved from a European film festival premiere into a significant political and informational issue for Israel, with the battle now extending to shaping the international narrative surrounding the war and Israel's response to criticism.