Israeli Minister Vows to Revoke Citizenship of Filmmakers Over Gaza War Doc

Miki Zohar, Israel's Minister of Culture and Sport, announced Sunday his intention to seek the revocation of citizenship for the creators of the film "NezA" (Accidental Damage), citing "betrayal of the country." The documentary, which features testimonies from 24 IDF intelligence soldiers about military operations during the Gaza war, garnered significant attention at the Venice Film Festival, receiving a standing ovation and the Jury Prize.

The film has sparked a public outcry in Israel during the recent holiday, with accusations of harming innocent civilians in Gaza. Political figures have also reacted strongly, including Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, who labeled the filmmakers "traitors" and the film a "smear campaign against Israel."

"The win of the despicable film NezA at the Venice Film Festival is shocking," Zohar stated. "The burning self-hatred of creators willing to harm their homeland to receive applause from antisemites worldwide is incomprehensible and constitutes treason." He added that this situation underscores the importance of his reforms in the film industry, aimed at preventing Israeli taxpayer money from funding content that harms IDF soldiers and the State of Israel. Zohar reiterated his commitment to pursuing the revocation of the filmmakers' citizenship.