Businessman Slams Government's 'Failure' in Public Diplomacy Efforts

Businessman Eyal Waldman has sharply criticized the Israeli government's handling of public diplomacy, calling it a "failure in every aspect." Speaking at an emergency conference in Tel Aviv titled "Hineni: From Defense to Offensive Public Diplomacy," Waldman argued that the government is shirking its responsibility and placing the burden on citizens. "The government is dropping the responsibility on you. Go, do what needs to be done, be commanders today and do what needs to be done, because you will defend Israel," he stated, later concluding, "A failure of the government in every section and in everything."

The conference, initiated by creators of the film "NZA: The True Story," aimed to improve Israel's global public image by connecting various civilian initiatives. Tzipi Hotovely, Head of the National Public Diplomacy Directorate, urged participants to take responsibility and leverage their influence internationally. However, Waldman advocated for a more proactive and technologically driven approach, suggesting Israel should "use technology a lot" and employ creative, unconventional methods.

Waldman also commented on the IDF's operational conduct, calling it "the most ethical army in the world." He questioned the policy of warning Hamas before strikes to avoid civilian casualties, suggesting that surprise attacks might be more effective, though he stressed the importance of preventing harm to innocents in Gaza and the West Bank. He expressed hope for a change in government, wishing for "a serious government, a government like Bennett said with smart ministers."

Hotovely, conversely, emphasized that solutions to public diplomacy challenges cannot come solely from the government but require collaboration with civil society. She viewed the conference itself as a potential answer, promoting a shift from discussion to joint action. She acknowledged Israel's international isolation but maintained that "we have power."

Social media influencer Ashley Waxman Kesh echoed the sentiment of insufficient government support for civilian public diplomacy efforts. She recounted approaching a senior Foreign Ministry official with a proposal for a series to showcase Israel, only to be met with a lack of assistance. Waxman Kesh highlighted the personal sacrifices made by individuals like herself, who have dedicated time and resources to public diplomacy, often without financial compensation, especially since October 7th. She stressed the need for content tailored to younger audiences through digital platforms.

The film "NZA: The True Story," produced in response to another film, "NZA," features testimonies from IDF commanders and intelligence officers, along with operational footage. It addresses Hamas's terror infrastructure, the complexities of hostage rescue, and humanitarian aid. The film's creators, Danino and AvrBuch, recently completed a public diplomacy tour in the US and are planning a European tour. The conference aimed to expand this activity beyond film screenings, fostering ongoing international collaborations.