Israeli Outrage Over 'Incidental Damage' Film Targets British Newspaper

A controversial film titled 'Incidental Damage,' which alleges an Israeli military operation resulted in 500 Gazan casualties, has united Israelis across the political spectrum in condemnation. The film, featuring a purported former intelligence officer from Unit 8200, was met with applause at the Venice Film Festival, sparking widespread criticism in Israel. Many Israelis, having served in the recent "Swords of Iron" war, viewed the film as a manipulative attempt at self-flagellation that ultimately failed.

While much of the public criticism has focused on the film's two Israeli directors, with the Culture Minister even suggesting revoking their citizenship, the article argues this approach is counterproductive. It contends that focusing on the directors only elevates them to martyr status and distracts from the film's true source of funding and production: The Guardian newspaper.

The author posits that The Guardian, described as a mouthpiece for Britain's progressive elite, is acting as a propaganda arm for the British government's political pressure against Israel. This strategy, the article suggests, is intended to appease radical elements within the UK government and is a continuation of The Guardian's historical alignment with the British left-wing establishment.

The article further criticizes The Guardian for its alleged hypocrisy and a problematic history, including downplaying Holocaust news and benefiting from slave trade wealth. It also points to the paper's past stances on British colonial actions and its criticism of sanctions against apartheid South Africa. The author advocates for Israel to focus its diplomatic and social media efforts on exposing The Guardian's historical baggage, arguing this would be more effective than targeting the film's directors.