The release of the documentary “NAZA” has sparked significant political backlash in Israel, highlighting deep divisions and raising questions about military accountability amid ongoing tensions in Gaza. The film, directed by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, has brought renewed attention to allegations against the Israeli military, including the use of artificial intelligence to target individuals in Gaza, which reportedly resulted in civilian casualties. These allegations, though not new, have gained prominence as the documentary premiered at the Venice Film Festival, receiving a 25-minute standing ovation.
The film’s release has provoked a strong reaction from Israeli officials. Culture Minister Miki Zohar has called for the filmmakers to be stripped of their citizenship and investigated for treason by the internal intelligence service. Zohar described the film as “disgusting” and the Venice Film Festival award as “shocking,” accusing the filmmakers of harming their homeland for international applause. Army Chief Eyal Zamir dismissed the documentary as blood libel and initiated a legal probe to identify its military and intelligence sources.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also referenced the film in his push for legislation that would revoke the citizenship of individuals deemed to be smearing the country’s soldiers. This legislative move reflects the heightened political climate in Israel, particularly with the upcoming October elections. In Ashdod, graffiti branding the directors as “traitors” has appeared, further illustrating the intensity of the backlash.
The documentary’s release has not only stirred political controversy but also sparked a broader debate on media coverage and military accountability in Israel. Orly Noy, an editor at Local Call, expressed concern over the extent of the backlash, noting that journalists, who might typically show solidarity with the filmmakers, are instead competing to attack them. This reaction, according to Noy, underscores a growing incitement machine involving journalists, politicians, and the media.
The film’s allegations have been reported previously, yet they have not received significant attention in Israel. Anat Saragusti, responsible for press freedom at the Union of Journalists in Israel, pointed out that mainstream media outlets have largely avoided investigating the military’s conduct in Gaza or covering the war from the Palestinian perspective. This lack of coverage has contributed to a national narrative that frames Palestinian deaths as collateral damage rather than the result of Israeli actions.
Israeli political sociologist Daniel Bar-Tal noted that even opposition parties have joined in the criticism of the filmmakers, reflecting a widespread denial of the allegations of genocide. Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, both of whom are political rivals of Netanyahu, have also condemned the film, describing it as morally blind and harmful to Israel.
The documentary “NAZA” has thus become a focal point in Israel’s political landscape, revealing deep-seated tensions and challenging the country’s narrative on military actions in Gaza. As the October elections approach, the film’s impact on public discourse and political dynamics remains to be seen, with the potential to influence legislative actions and societal attitudes towards media and military accountability.
