Israeli Officials Probe Documentary “NAZA” on Gaza Military Practices, Alleging Treason and Anti-Semitic Incitement

The documentary “NAZA,” directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, features 24 Israeli military insiders, including intelligence officers and soldiers, who describe the war in Gaza. The film was shot in secret over three years, with rooftop filming in Tel Aviv, and the subjects’ voices and appearances were digitally altered to obscure their identities. Abraham and Szor are the filmmakers behind the Oscar-winning documentary “No Other Land.” The title comes from an Israeli military acronym, which one report says is shorthand for civilian casualties, including men, women and children. The film’s Hebrew title, Nezek Agavi, translates as “collateral damage,” according to one report.

The film was shown at the Venice Film Festival, where, according to one report, it received an award and drew backlash. Its subjects describe targeting practices in Gaza. One report says the interviewees discuss the integration of artificial intelligence and automated surveillance into Israeli military targeting systems used in Gaza. Another report says the film alleges that Israeli forces knowingly carried out strikes in which significant civilian casualties were expected. A commentary published by CounterPunch, which asks whether the film is “Zionism’s worst nightmare or normalisation propaganda,” states that the sources allege government approval of operations that resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinian civilians. These are the sources’ allegations as reported, and the film’s claims have not been independently established in these reports.

Israeli officials responded with sharp criticism. Israeli officials allege that the documentary incites antisemitism and undermines national security. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the film “shocking” and accused it of contributing to a global wave of antisemitic incitement. Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir ordered a legal investigation to trace the sources of the film, which include unnamed military and intelligence personnel. Testimony from people who are unnamed and whose accounts are contested calls for careful weighing of the facts, a matter of truth and fairness (Proverbs 18:17).

Culture minister Miki Zohar suggested that the government may pursue treason charges against the filmmakers and others involved in the documentary.