Release the atrocity footage: Why Israel should open its archive to the foreign press | Zvika Klein

Zvika Klein argues that three years after October 7, Israel continues to present the atrocity materials only in closed screenings. He calls for opening the archive to independent investigations by foreign journalists, while assisting in locating 100 recordings that have not yet been published, in order to reach audiences who no longer believe the official messages.

Zvika Klein argues that three years after October 7, Israel continues to present the atrocity materials only in closed screenings to journalists who already support it. He calls for opening the archive to independent investigations by foreign journalists, while locating 100 recordings that have not yet been published that can be responsibly released, and offering them personally to foreign news outlets. The reporters will receive source files, background on how the evidence was obtained, and assistance in contacting witnesses. Klein notes that exclusive material gives editors a reason to send skilled teams, and that the final publication will include transparent details about verified findings and those that remain in question. He warns that the move requires maturity, as a recording can document both Hamas atrocities and discouraging hours until help arrives, and a witness may describe heroism alongside systemic failure. Klein emphasizes that any attempt to filter out problematic parts will harm the credibility of the evidence. He notes that families must approve the use of recordings, and that materials involving sexual assaults require meticulous work. Klein argues that investing in such investigative work is an excellent use of public funds, and that sticking to closed screenings has exhausted itself.