IDF Denies 'Blood Libel' Film's Claim of Planned Gaza Attack Killing 500 Civilians

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has issued a strong denial of claims made in a film titled "Nazareth," which alleges the IDF planned an attack in Gaza expected to kill 500 civilians. The IDF spokesperson stated unequivocally that the claim is "an absolute lie," asserting that such an attack was never planned, approved, or carried out. Furthermore, the IDF noted that no credible claim emerged during the war suggesting any IDF strike resulted in a civilian death toll approaching that number.

The IDF also criticized the filmmakers for promoting the film with this unsubstantiated allegation, stating that the creators could not verify the claim and lacked supporting evidence. The military also pointed out that the credentials and role of the film's interviewee could not be independently verified, questioning the basis of the accusation. The IDF concluded by urging the public to judge the rest of the film's content accordingly, given this foundational falsehood.