Israel Responds to Controversial Gaza Documentary 'No Other Land'

Israel has officially responded to the international controversy surrounding the documentary film 'No Other Land,' which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. The film, based on anonymous testimonies from 24 Israeli soldiers and intelligence personnel, alleges serious issues with Israel's targeting policies in Gaza. In response, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs distributed a message sheet to all its embassies worldwide, instructing diplomats on how to counter the film's claims and address its global impact. This effort is part of a broader public relations campaign involving multiple government bodies.

Israel's central message is that the film "turns the truth upside down," labeling it a "fictional work serving as a cover for Hamas propaganda" and a continuation of a "campaign of lies and distortions" against the country. A key focus of Israel's response is refuting the film's claim, echoed by some interviewees, that actions in Gaza constitute "genocide." The official Israeli stance asserts that "there is no genocide in the Gaza Strip," and anyone claiming otherwise is either lying or misunderstands the term. Israel emphasizes that the IDF operates in accordance with international law, including principles of distinction, proportionality, and caution, and that operations are routinely canceled if civilian harm is disproportionate. The country also highlights Hamas's alleged systematic embedding of military infrastructure within the civilian population, using it as human shields, and intentionally increasing Palestinian casualties for propaganda purposes.

The film's most sensitive claim, that an attack was approved with a potential for around 500 civilian casualties, is unequivocally denied by Israel. The Israeli message sheet states that the IDF "never planned, approved, or carried out an attack where approximately 500 civilians were expected to be killed, or a number close to that," adding that no verifiable evidence was presented and the source's identity and knowledge are unexaminable. Regarding the use of AI systems like "The Compass" and "Lavender," Israel clarifies that while technological tools may assist, they do not replace human judgment in operational decisions. Intelligence personnel identify targets, and authorized commanders make the final decision after considering all relevant factors.

Israel also points to the anonymity of the interviewees as a weakness, arguing that some of the most serious accusations rely on individuals whose identities and involvement cannot be independently verified. The IDF maintains internal investigation mechanisms for alleged irregularities. The Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, has described the film not as legitimate criticism but as "blood libels" and "deliberate distortions of reality," and is considering legal action. Meanwhile, international media coverage, including reports from The New York Times, Le Monde, El País, Reuters, Al Jazeera, and The Guardian, has focused on the stark contrast between the film's reception in Venice and the strong condemnation it has faced in Israel, framing the controversy as a reflection of differing global and Israeli perspectives on the war.