Journalist Criticizes IDF's Blanket Denial of 'Side Effect' Film Allegations

Anat Saragusti, journalist and director of the "Journalists' Organization," has criticized the Israeli military's "blanket and absolute denial" of allegations presented in the documentary film "Side Effect." Speaking on Radio Al-Shams, Saragusti argued that the military's response, issued without examining the film's claims, lacks seriousness. She questioned whether the IDF had conducted thorough investigations into cases of entire families killed in Gaza and whether such events were treated as exceptional and learned from.

Saragusti defended the use of anonymous sources in journalism, citing historical examples like the Watergate scandal and the Eyal Golan case, where unidentified sources played crucial roles. She noted that phrases like "high-level political source" or "close to" are common journalistic tools, suggesting that questioning the testimonies of unnamed soldiers in the film is therefore questionable.

She also extended her criticism to the media, stating that for three years, news channels have failed to conduct serious investigative reporting on events in Gaza. The documentary "Side Effect" features testimonies from Israeli soldiers and officers detailing the use of AI systems for targeting and describing the killing of families and children as "collateral damage" during strikes on leaders or sites in Gaza. The film has generated significant media and political controversy.