Where does the damage really come from?

Benjamin Tobias argues that the reputational damage to Israel from the film "No Other Land" is less than that caused by Itamar Ben-Gvir's AI video, and warns against government policy that hinders hasbara. He calls for the film to be shown in Israel despite right-wing opposition.

In his column, Benjamin Tobias argues that the public debate over the film "No Other Land" ignores the central question: whether its content is accurate and relevant to the war in Gaza. He asserts that the reputational damage to Israel from the film is less than that caused by the AI video of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, in which he boasted about starving Palestinian prisoners. Tobias criticizes the selectivity of public outrage, recalling statements by ministers and Knesset members calling for dropping an "atomic bomb on Gaza" or "burning it down." He claims Israel does not have a hasbara problem but a policy problem, and that such statements cannot be explained away. Tobias notes that 24 soldiers and officers who served in the Swords of Iron operation chose to testify in the film, and argues that their testimonies should be heard. He calls for the film to be screened in Israel despite opposition.

Where does the damage really come from?