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Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jun/04/israeli-pr-machine-gaza-flotilla-media-battle
Israeli PR Machine Won Gaza Flotilla Media Battle
(Guardian-UK) Antony Lerman - The Israeli PR machine succeeded in getting the major news outlets to focus on its version of events and to use the Israeli authorities' discourse for a crucial 48 hours. The repeated screening of the video, taken from an Israeli assault craft, of the commandos abseiling down ropes onto the Mavi Marmara and then being set upon by the activists waiting for them on the deck, became the defining image of the capture of the boats. The activists' actions were described by Israeli spokespersons as a premeditated terrorist attack by al-Qaeda sympathizers, using clubs, knives and guns, carried out with the intention of "lynching" the commandos who were carrying out an entirely legal and peacefully executed operation. The Israeli version of the events and the presentation of legal arguments to justify Israel's actions by friendly commentators continue to occupy significant media space.