IDF Rejects Claims in "NezA" Film About AI and Civilian Casualties

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has issued a sharp response to the film "NezA," which features anonymous testimonies attributed to soldiers from Unit 8200. The film alleges the use of artificial intelligence in selecting targets in Gaza and claims of extensive civilian casualties. The IDF categorically denies these allegations, stating that the identities of the individuals interviewed cannot be verified and that their testimonies contain contradictions.

The film, directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, was screened at the Venice Film Festival. A promotional clip showed a figure, whose identity was concealed, claiming to be from Unit 8200, stating that approval was given for an attack in Gaza with a potential collateral damage of 500 deaths. The IDF asserts that the film relies on anonymous sources whose military service, roles, and involvement in the matters discussed cannot be confirmed. The military also pointed out that some statements in the film pertain to national and military strategy, which would be beyond the knowledge of junior soldiers.

The IDF further claims that the film misinterprets legal terms and presents "internal and absurd contradictions." Specifically, the army refutes the notion that unintentional harm resulting from lawful attacks was deliberate or constituted "genocide," arguing this stems from a misunderstanding of the terms. The IDF unequivocally stated that all decisions regarding the selection and approval of strikes are made solely by human personnel, in accordance with IDF directives, and not by artificial intelligence.

The military reiterated that its operations in Gaza are defensive, aimed at protecting Israeli citizens and targeting terrorist organizations like Hamas, in compliance with international law. The IDF maintains that unprecedented efforts are made to minimize civilian harm during strikes on military targets. The army also placed responsibility for operating within civilian areas on Hamas, accusing the organization of systematically embedding operatives and military infrastructure within the civilian population and exploiting these areas for terror purposes.

Regarding potential offenses by soldiers, the IDF stated that concrete suspicions are investigated by its independent enforcement mechanisms. Soldiers are obligated by regulations to report any observed violations of the law for examination. The IDF emphasized that this duty also applies to those interviewed for the film, implying that if they possess genuine information about illegal acts, they have channels to bring these claims for investigation.