IDF Demands to View Full Documentary Before Responding to Allegations

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has called on the creators of the documentary "Accidental Death" (Nez'a) to allow military representatives to view the full film, stating that a proper response to its claims can only be made after viewing it in its entirety. This comes after the IDF issued an initial statement overnight Sunday, rejecting all allegations presented in the film. Brigadier General Efraim Dofin, IDF spokesperson, urged creators Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shor to "allow IDF representatives to watch the full film so that we can address the claims factually. It is appropriate for the discussion to be based on facts and not on slander and false misrepresentations."

The documentary, which won a jury prize at the Venice Film Festival, reportedly features testimonies from soldiers alleging intentional and systematic mass killing of Palestinians during the war in Gaza. Dofin stated that based on the film's trailer, it presents "a series of difficult and false claims regarding the IDF and its personnel," asserting that these claims are untrue and distorted. He emphasized the IDF's commitment to operating according to international law and professional standards, especially since October 7th, and expressed full support for soldiers and commanders.

An earlier English statement from the IDF questioned the validity of the film's anonymous testimonies, noting that the identities and roles of the individuals are unverified. The military also pointed out that the film allegedly includes claims about national and military strategy beyond the knowledge of junior soldiers and misinterprets legal terms, even suggesting that unintentional harm from legal attacks constitutes intentional killing or genocide. The IDF reiterated its commitment to protecting Israeli civilians while targeting Hamas, which it accuses of operating from civilian areas. The military also stated that specific suspicions of law violations are investigated and prosecuted, and that decisions regarding strikes are made by humans, not AI.

The film has garnered significant attention, with audiences reportedly applauding for 25 minutes after its screening. In Israel, the documentary has sparked public controversy, with some politicians condemning the creators. Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, called the creators "traitors to Israel" and the film a "smear campaign." Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar announced his intention to seek the revocation of the creators' citizenship for "betraying the country," criticizing the film's alleged self-hatred and its potential to appeal to antisemites, and vowing to prevent Israeli taxpayer money from funding such content.