Israel War: the public relations secret
I’m framing this piece as a conversation among several men in the shadows, who are discussing “problems of perception.” Their comments on daily life in Israel and Gaza, prior to the war, are based on my own observations, and on facts.
Here we go…
—Well, the first thing is, the decimation of Gaza. I mean, think of the outrage if we said a mid-sized American city like Milwaukee was housing a terrorist group and therefore we had to bomb the whole city and cut off water, electricity, and food.
We have to keep pounding on the idea that Gaza is filled to the brim with crazy terrorists. That’s who the residents ARE. That’s what Gaza IS.
I know, but we could have trouble selling it.
So we have to step up the destruction, until the question becomes academic. It’s done. Too late to cry over spilt milk.
That’s the best we can do?
We’re in a good position. The media are with us.
Meaning what?
They’re either defending Israel or Hamas. Either way it works in our favor. You know, two sides battling it out. Each side claiming righteousness and justice. That’s what we want. That’s all we need.
But there are leaks.
Where? What leaks?
I don’t want to talk about it.
What? This is why we’re here. Meeting. To talk about everything.
I don’t care.
What’s your hesitation?
If I say something, it could come back later to bite me in the ass.
What’s wrong with you? Nothing’s going to bite you.
You never know.
You’re saying there are leaks?
Yes.
Well, what are they?
I told you, I’m not going to say.
Come on. Show a little courage. We’re trying to button our story up. If you see a problem, spit it out.
No.
You’re crazy. You’re going off the deep end. We’re not living in the USSR. You’re among friends.
Everybody talks out of school. Everybody gossips. OK. I’ll say this much. On one side there are war hawks. In the government of Israel. On the other side, there’s a small group of crazies. Terrorists.
Yeah? So?
Fill in the blanks yourself.
Hey, this isn’t a guessing game. If you know something important, you have to share it with us.
Think it through for yourselves.