IDF Denies 'Absolute Lie' Claims in Venice Award-Winning Documentary

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has vehemently denied allegations presented in the documentary "No Other Land," which screened at the Venice Film Festival and received a special jury prize. The film reportedly accuses Israeli soldiers of misconduct and presents difficult claims regarding IDF operations in the Gaza Strip.

The IDF specifically refuted a central claim within the film suggesting that an attack was approved with an anticipated death toll of up to 500 civilians. "This is an absolute lie. The IDF never planned, approved, or carried out an attack in Gaza where 500 civilians or a number close to that were expected to be killed. Nor was there any credible claim during the war that hinted an IDF attack caused such a high number of casualties," the IDF stated.

Military officials also criticized the filmmakers for publishing the claim without independent verification. "The filmmakers could not verify this claim, there is no real supporting evidence, and yet they published it anyway," the IDF said. Furthermore, the IDF noted that the identity and background of the interviewee whose testimony underpins the claim are not independently verifiable, stating, "Nothing about the interviewee, neither his service nor his role, can be independently checked and verified."

The IDF's response comes after the film's recognition at the Venice festival, which has sparked criticism within Israel regarding the accusations leveled against soldiers and IDF operations in Gaza. Following the award, Israeli Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar announced his intention to seek the revocation of Israeli citizenship for the film's creators, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor.