What fallacy is showcased in the debate between Sam and Tom regarding Israel's actions?

In the debate between Sam and Tom regarding Israel's actions, the showcased fallacy is attacking a straw man. This occurs when one participant misrepresents or oversimplifies the arguments or position of the other to make it easier to attack or refute. By focusing on a distorted version of the argument instead of engaging with the original point, the debater sidesteps the actual issue and weakens the conversation, ultimately leading to an unproductive debate.

When discussing complex issues such as international relations or military actions, it is common for participants to inadvertently or deliberately create a simplified version of the opposing view, allowing them to argue against this weaker stance instead of addressing the genuine concerns or arguments being raised. This tactic can mislead the audience and obscure the truth about both the topic at hand and the positions held by the participants.