Gaza Military Tactics Documentary 'NAZA' Sparks Treason Accusations and Political Uproar in Israel

A new documentary examining Israel Defense Forces tactics in the Gaza conflict has ignited a fierce political and social uproar inside Israel, resulting in accusations of treason against its creators and prompt calls for state security investigations. The film, titled "NAZA," was created by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor and draws upon testimonies from unidentified IDF soldiers regarding military operations and an artificial intelligence-assisted targeting system.

The title of the documentary derives from an Israeli military acronym based on the Hebrew term "nezek agavi," which translates to collateral damage. The project utilizes descriptions from soldiers who detail how the military system identifies targets using data gathered from thousands of hacked mobile phones, alleging systematic mass civilian killings in Gaza. The film gained international attention after winning the prestigious Special Jury Prize at the Venice International Film Festival, where it was met with a 25-minute standing ovation.

Despite its acclaim abroad, the documentary has not been publicly released in any country and was kept largely confidential prior to its Venice premiere. The circulation of limited film clips inside Israel has triggered severe domestic condemnation from government officials, military leaders, and activists. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to promote new legislation, referred to as the NAZA laws, aimed at penalizing the defamation of Israeli soldiers and the state. Netanyahu stated on social media that his government would seek to revoke citizenship from anyone who defames IDF soldiers internationally and penalize them financially.

The backlash has directly targeted the filmmakers and their families. Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor have not yet returned to Israel following the Venice screening, with the backlash intensity leading Abraham to delete his social media accounts. In Tel Aviv, dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the home of one of the director's parents across multiple nights, using megaphones to denounce the project as an act of treason from within and calling for the expulsion of the filmmakers.

Institutional and political responses have been swift. Israel's Minister of Culture, Miki Zohar, stated that he approached David Zini, the head of Israel's internal secret service, to request a formal investigation into Abraham and Szor. Zohar asked for an examination regarding the sources of information and materials used in the film, as well as the circumstances under which the creators obtained them, as part of considerations to revoke their citizenship. The minister also demanded that the secret service investigate the unidentified soldiers who provided testimonies for the project.

Military leadership has similarly condemned the production. IDF chief of staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir convened a meeting with senior officers to address the documentary, characterizing it as an attack on both the military and the nation as a whole. General Zamir asserted that the film adopted the narratives of hostile actors and defamed soldiers and commanders, while also ordering a separate military investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of classified materials utilized in the production.

Political figures have joined the chorus of criticism. Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot, a former IDF leader and candidate in Israel's upcoming election, accused the filmmakers of moral blindness. Eisenkot argued that while domestic criticism remains legitimate in a democratic society, a vast gulf exists between legitimate critique and defaming military personnel to secure applause at international festivals. Commentators in Israel suggest that the intense controversy surrounding the documentary could significantly influence the upcoming elections.

International press freedom organizations have pushed back against the government's response. The Committee to Protect Journalists described Prime Minister Netanyahu's statements as a dangerous escalation in official efforts to intimidate and punish journalists, urging Israeli authorities to immediately end the campaign against Abraham and Szor and safeguard them and their families.

As the domestic dispute continues to unfold, "NAZA" is scheduled to receive its next screening at the New York Film Festival the following weekend.