IDF Rejects 'Incidental Damage' Film Allegations as Baseless

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has issued a detailed response rejecting all accusations presented in the film "Incidental Damage" (Nez'a), which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. The IDF stated that the film is based on anonymous testimonies from individuals whose identities cannot be verified, making it impossible to confirm their service in the IDF or their roles. The military asserts that some claims within the film pertain to national and military strategy beyond the knowledge of junior-ranking soldiers.

The IDF's English-language spokesperson addressed the film, produced by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore in collaboration with The Guardian. The film features testimonies from 24 Israeli soldiers and intelligence officers and alleges serious misconduct by the IDF in Gaza, including targeting decisions and civilian casualties. The IDF contends that the film misuses legal terminology, contains internal contradictions, and presents absurd claims, such as equating unintentional harm from lawful strikes with intentional acts or genocide, which they state is a misunderstanding of these terms.

Regarding claims of artificial intelligence use in targeting, the IDF clarified that automated systems do not make independent decisions. All decisions regarding strike selection and approval are made exclusively by human personnel, operating under military directives, not AI. The IDF emphasized its commitment to operating in Gaza in accordance with international law, targeting terrorist organizations like Hamas while making unprecedented efforts to minimize civilian harm. They contrasted this with Hamas's practice of operating from within civilian areas.

The military also reiterated its obligation to investigate any suspected violations of the law by soldiers through its independent enforcement mechanisms. Soldiers are mandated by military orders to report any observed violations to initiate investigations, a duty the IDF stated also applies to those interviewed for the film.

Following the film's reception, Israeli Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar called the film "despicable" and a "betrayal of the country." He expressed his intention to seek the revocation of the creators' Israeli citizenship, criticizing their "burning self-hatred" and willingness to harm their homeland for international applause.