Israeli officials involved in public diplomacy, primarily in the IDF but also in the Foreign Ministry, are recommending lowering the media profile surrounding the libelous NAZA documentary, and, for now, refraining from proactive attacks or briefings against its producers — a significant shift from Israel’s approach in recent days.
Internal correspondence shows that IDF and diplomatic officials have assessed that the film has so far generated little significant interest in the international media and has not prompted protests or questions from foreign governments. At the same time, Israel’s forceful responses to the filmmakers have begun to shift the focus away from the film itself and toward allegations that Israel is restricting freedom of expression.
“At present, the aggressive responses issued on behalf of Israel are causing the discussion to shift away from the film itself toward accusations that Israel does not allow freedom of expression,” wrote the IDF official coordinating the response to the film.
“In light of this, we are lowering the media profile. You should not initiate any briefings. We are taking a measured, coordinated approach rather than reacting impulsively,” he added.
The directive marks a shift from the approach taken at the beginning of the week. As previously reported, the National Public Diplomacy Directorate, the Foreign Ministry and the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit had been preparing a broad international campaign to counter the allegations raised in the film. Senior officials said at the time that Israel was “deep into the issue” and that efforts had begun “to push back against and refute the lies.”
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir subsequently convened a special meeting and ordered officials to examine possible legal action regarding the film and those involved in its production, as well as information-security concerns and the possibility that classified material had been leaked for use in the film. Zamir described the allegations raised in the film as “blood libels, a deliberate distortion of reality, and false and grave accusations.”
It was also reported that IDF officials asked the Shin Bet to assist in investigating the film, in part over concerns that classified information may have been used in its production. The Shin Bet has not yet joined the investigation and is awaiting a formal request, which is expected following a legal review.
The controversy also quickly spilled into the political arena. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu attacked the Democrats party, claiming that members of the party had praised the film, “which portrays IDF soldiers around the world as war criminals.”
Meanwhile, diplomatic sources say the discrepancy between the professional recommendation to lower the film’s profile and politicians’ public statements is itself causing damage.
“The Prime Minister’s Office is fueling the domestic controversy surrounding the film for political reasons and as part of an election campaign,” they claimed. “One hand is seeking to lower the profile, while the other sends the Shin Bet chief to investigate and ministers to demand that the filmmakers be stripped of their citizenship.”
“Israel is trapped between what is right for it internationally and what is right for politicians electorally,” they added.
(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
