Background on NAZA

The Israeli documentary NAZA, directed by Oscar-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor and produced with the Guardian, sheds light on the significant civilian casualties in Gaza attributed to Israeli military actions. Premiering last month at the Venice International Film Festival, it received critical acclaim, winning the special jury prize after a record-length ovation.

Government Response and Legal Actions

In response to the documentary, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and Shin Bet head David Zini to identify the soldiers and officers interviewed in the film. Netanyahu’s letter mandates urgent action to reveal those involved, coupled with a request for a criminal investigation for alleged breaches of information security, criminal defamation, and damage to Israel’s diplomatic and security interests.

The IDF Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, criticized the film, labeling it an “attack on the state of Israel,” alleging that it disseminates falsehoods that could harm national security. Meanwhile, military legal officials are evaluating the possibility of disciplinary measures, although the military advocate general has indicated that prosecution requires substantial evidence of misconduct.

The Impact on Press Freedom

The escalating tensions surrounding NAZA raise significant questions regarding press freedom. The European Federation of Journalists, represented by Ricardo Gutiérrez, condemned the government’s threats towards the filmmakers, asserting they constitute severe intimidation against journalists operating within ethical parameters to serve the public interest.

In a statement, a Guardian spokesperson expressed that the Israeli government’s attempts to investigate the documentary’s sources underscore efforts to divert attention from the critical humanitarian questions raised in the film regarding civilian deaths in Gaza.

Public and Industry Reactions

Following the film’s release, there has been notable public backlash against Abraham and Szor, including threats to revoke their Israeli citizenship and allegations of treason from government supporters. Picketing occurred at Szor’s family home, with demonstrators chanting aggressive slogans.

In contrast, many film industry figures have rallied around the filmmakers, asserting their right to investigate complex and urgent subjects without the threat of reprisal. Notably, a group of influential leaders from global film festivals voiced their support for Abraham and Szor’s creative freedom.

The Ongoing Discourse on Military Conduct

NAZA builds upon earlier findings published by various Israeli and Palestinian media outlets, including +972 Magazine, which documented similar concerns regarding military conduct in Gaza between 2023 and 2025. It involved meticulous verification of sources and facts, including classified documents related to military operations.

The Israeli government has initiated its own online project, dubbed NAZA: The Real Story, to counter the claims made in the original documentary. Ariel Averbuch, an Israeli attorney involved in this alternative project, characterized it as an effort to redirect the narrative away from allegations of civilian killings by the military.