New Documentary 'NAZA' Alleges Israeli Military Used AI for Unlawful Killings in Gaza

A new documentary titled 'NAZA' by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shor claims the Israeli military has been deliberately disregarding international law and committing war crimes in Gaza. The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, features interviews with 24 Israeli soldiers who allegedly operated behind the scenes during the war. These soldiers describe how an AI program, reportedly named 'Lavender,' was used to identify targets for elimination by monitoring cellular communications and texts. According to the soldiers' accounts, the AI algorithm made life-or-death decisions, with human operators merely executing its commands. The filmmakers assert that since October 7, all restrictions have been lifted, leading to the approval of bombing entire buildings and neighborhoods, even when only one Hamas operative was present, resulting in the deaths of entire families.

The documentary contrasts the soldiers' initial detachment, describing the killing of Palestinians as a mere button press, with their later realization of the immense human cost. Some interviewees reportedly broke down, regretting their actions and the loss of life. The film suggests that the AI's calculations determine how many civilian casualties are permissible in the process of eliminating Hamas operatives, a concept referred to as 'collateral damage' or 'NAZA.' The filmmakers also explore the strategic implications, suggesting a broader objective of ethnic cleansing and the destruction of Gaza.

'NAZA' also touches upon a unit allegedly established to counter international legal pressure, with English-speaking operators monitoring Palestinian figures engaging with international bodies like The Hague. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is shown via television clips, but the film posits a broader systemic dehumanization within the Israeli security apparatus. The documentary, which avoids emotional manipulation and presents its claims analytically, aims to connect operational actions with a strategic vision for Gaza's erasure. The filmmakers themselves, like the soldiers they interview, are presented as distant observers, filming from Tel Aviv rooftops, with the devastation in Gaza only revealed through the soldiers' testimonies and archival footage at the film's conclusion.

The film's creators note that the soldiers' identities are concealed through darkened faces and altered voices for their protection. Despite the potential for significant reputational damage to Israel, the film maintained a high level of secrecy during production. 'NAZA' is set to have its American premiere at the New York Film Festival and is expected to be released in the US shortly thereafter. The documentary has been described as a compelling and non-inflammatory document that links Israeli decision-making processes to the destruction and casualties in Gaza.