The starting point of the discussion in this article, amid the war in Gaza, is that Israel no longer needs to explain anything to anyone. After October 7, the days of explanations are over. Those who need to explain are the ones who murdered children, burned infants, raped women and girls, and abducted elderly women. Let them explain. Israel is fighting for its very existence, as is its right. This is not propaganda; it's a fact.
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However, Israel does need to play on the real field of public opinion, which is the arena of influence and psychological warfare. The pictures published recently around the world, showing starving Gazans or unclothed Hamas militants in the streets of Gaza, have caused some uproar. If I could, I would advise you not to be moved. We cannot ignore the images coming out of Gaza, certainly not deny them, but we should not be overly disturbed by them.
Israel is at war. War is not a laboratory. Nothing is sterile in Hamas' hell. Therefore, no film, no picture, no footage, and no embarrassment should interfere with the mission, which is: the destruction of Hamas. Israel needs to be just and moral, but it does not need to explain itself, especially not what happens on the brutal battlefield against the most terrible monsters on earth, who have committed unspeakable atrocities. Therefore, the field where Israel needs to play is the field of influence. That's where everything happens.
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Israel provides daily humanitarian assistance to Gaza to avoid disaster
(Photo: SAID KHATIB / AFP)
So, if people are seen starving in Gaza, and if there is some humanitarian disaster or another – Israel must act. Be proactive. It should not wait to be dragged through the mud like a rag and accused of crimes against humanity. This narrative can be defeated. Israel should bring food into areas controlled by the IDF, in trucks with giant Israeli flags on them, and with food made in Israel. Then, distribute this food to civilians. Bag by bag, package by package.
The State of Israel can prevent unnecessary and false narratives about what is really happening in Gaza. The false narrative that dominates Western media was already seen on October 17, when Israel was accused of bombing a hospital in Gaza. It quickly became clear that it was Islamic Jihad, whose rocket hit the hospital, but this did not stop Western media from continuing to adopt a Hamas narrative. So, the starting point is that Israel can reduce the false discourse about it by proactive and initiated actions, which will not prevent it from continuing to fight Hamas murderers. In fact, they will help in this mission.
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Investigation concluded PIJ missile hit Gaza hospital, despite Western media claims
(Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
Israel does not need assistance from the "international community", which sends food to Gazans. Israel can, at this time, take care of the starving population in Gaza. They are not Israel's target, and certainly not the IDF's. So, there is no reason why not to etch in consciousness two parallel things: the elimination of Hamas and concern for civilians, so they do not starve.
The problem is that the Israeli leadership does not really think. It is afraid of the shallowest screamers, those who make mileage out of the fuel entered Gaza. We should also distribute the fuel ourselves. Winter is approaching. Want to win the psychological warfare? Do you want to influence the perception of the world in the West? Bring food to Gaza, distribute it yourself - and show the world that Israel is fighting Hamas, not screaming Fatima. Want more? I would initiate, myself, a clothing collection for children in Gaza - and distribute those clothes in areas controlled by the IDF.
The implementation of the proposed humanitarian solutions is fraught with challenges. Ensuring that aid reaches civilians without empowering Hamas requires careful strategizing. Collaborations with international NGOs, while maintaining Israeli oversight, could be a way forward. These organizations, experienced in conflict zones, can provide logistical support while Israel ensures the integrity of the mission.
In conclusion, Israel's dual focus on neutralizing threats and providing humanitarian aid, though complex, is not just a strategic necessity but also a moral imperative. The path to peace is convoluted and fraught with challenges, but through thoughtful actions and a commitment to justice, progress is possible. This approach not only aims to protect Israel's interests but also demonstrates a commitment to the welfare of all affected populations, setting a precedent in conflict resolution and humanitarian assistance.
Attila SomfalviPhoto: Gil YochananIsrael is a moral country. It fights to protect its citizens. Israel is the most just country in the world. Along the way, it tries to liberate Gaza from Hamas. This is its right. This is its duty. And it has the capacity to shape consciousness, to influence the overall picture. Do not be afraid. Set a strategy - and execute. Influence and set consciousness. It's not that hard. Just need to think a bit.
- The writer is a strategic media consultant and public campaign expert, formerly a news anchor and a senior journalist.