New Documentary 'NAZA' Alleges Israeli AI Used for Civilian Killings

A new documentary titled 'NAZA' by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shor claims to expose alleged Israeli military practices and a strategic intent to depopulate Gaza. The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, features interviews with 24 Israeli soldiers who participated in intelligence operations during the war in Gaza. These soldiers, speaking anonymously and with obscured faces, describe how they operated behind the scenes, using algorithms and data to identify targets. They allege that the military's actions, driven by an AI system named 'Lavender,' have led to the deaths of tens of thousands of people, framing these as 'collateral damage' in the pursuit of Hamas operatives.

The filmmakers assert that the soldiers, initially detached from the consequences of their actions, later grappled with guilt as they realized the human cost of their digital decisions. The documentary suggests that the AI system 'Lavender' is central to identifying targets for elimination by monitoring cellular communications and texts, effectively transferring life-or-death decisions to artificial intelligence. The soldiers claim that since October 7, all restrictions have been lifted, leading to the approval of bombing entire buildings and neighborhoods, even when a single Hamas operative was the target, resulting in the deaths of entire families.

'NAZA' posits that these actions are not merely operational necessities but part of a broader strategic objective to cleanse the region through genocide. The film draws parallels between the destruction in Gaza and historical events, suggesting a deliberate plan to erase Gaza. The filmmakers also highlight a separate unit, dubbed 'the Prime Minister's unit,' tasked with monitoring Palestinians who seek legal pressure abroad, implying a dual strategy of eliminating threats and suppressing peace initiatives.

In response to the film's allegations, the IDF stated, "The IDF completely rejects the claims. Regarding the claims concerning the use of artificial intelligence, decisions regarding the selection and approval of attacks in the IDF are made by human factors only, in accordance with IDF directives, and not by artificial intelligence." The documentary is slated for its American premiere at the upcoming New York Film Festival and is expected to be released in the US shortly thereafter. The filmmakers note that they, like foreign journalists, were officially barred from entering Gaza to report from the ground.