Israeli Minister Demands Review of Filmmakers' Citizenship Over Venice Film

Israel's Minister of Culture and Sport, Miki Zohar, has formally requested that the Ministry of Interior examine the possibility of revoking the Israeli citizenship of Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shor, the creators of the documentary film "NAZA." The film, which premiered and won an award at the Venice Film Festival, presents serious allegations against the IDF's conduct during the recent conflict.

In a letter to the Director General of the Ministry of Interior, Zohar asked for an assessment of whether the filmmakers' actions constitute grounds for initiating proceedings to revoke their citizenship due to alleged treason against the State of Israel. He specifically cited the filmmakers' claims that the documentary is based on anonymous testimonies from Israeli military and intelligence personnel, detailing operational methods, systems, and decision-making processes within the IDF.

Zohar expressed concern that the film, using unverified materials whose acquisition methods require investigation, has presented severe accusations against Israel and the IDF on the international stage. He highlighted that one of the filmmakers referred to the actions depicted in the film as "crimes" committed by Israel during the award acceptance speech, a statement he found particularly grave. The IDF has officially rejected a central claim made in the film, calling it "false and distorted."

The Minister also requested an examination into the source of the materials used in the film. He questioned whether authentic information from Israeli security or intelligence bodies, or potentially from Gaza-based terror groups, was transferred to the filmmakers. If such information was shared, Zohar wants to know if it was legally obtained, if its disclosure revealed sensitive security or intelligence details that could aid enemies, and if the filmmakers were authorized to receive and publish it.

Conversely, Zohar also asked the Ministry to consider the possibility that the information presented in the film is inauthentic, distorted, or taken out of context. He pointed to Section 11(b)(2) of the Nationality Law, which allows for the revocation of citizenship for "breach of faith with the State of Israel," including acts of terror or aiding terror organizations. Zohar urged that if the investigation finds sufficient factual and legal basis, the Ministry of Interior should proceed with the necessary steps to revoke Abraham and Shor's Israeli citizenship without delay.