Israeli Creators Face Backlash Over Venice Film Accusing IDF of Gaza Massacre

Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore have ignited a firestorm of criticism following their film "No Other Land" receiving a special jury prize at the Venice Film Festival. The film, which accuses Israel of a "calculated mass murder" of Gazans and portrays a "blood libel" against IDF soldiers, has drawn sharp condemnation from across the Israeli political and cultural spectrum.

Ministers, Knesset members, and cultural figures have denounced the film, with some calling the creators "dangerous hypocrites" and "traitors." Minister of Diaspora Affairs and the Fight Against Antisemitism Amichai Chikli shared a video of Abraham allegedly denigrating IDF soldiers and compared the creators to collaborators with the Nazis. Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar labeled the filmmakers' actions "unfathomable self-hatred" and "betrayal of the country," vowing to explore revoking their Israeli citizenship.

Opposition leader Benny Gantz stated that accusing Israel of intentional killing in Gaza is a lie, asserting that the IDF maintains a higher standard of conduct than any other army fighting in an urban environment. The IDF spokesperson issued a rare English statement calling the film's claims "an absolute lie," stating that the alleged attack was never planned, approved, or carried out, and questioned the filmmakers' methodology and factual basis.

Public figures like activist Yosef Haddad and comedian Guy Hochman also criticized the film, with Haddad calling the title "collateral damage" ironic and accusing the filmmakers of seeking international awards by slandering the IDF. Hochman recounted an instance where he was asked to declare Israel commits genocide to perform in the US, emphasizing his loyalty to Israel over career aspirations.

Further criticism came from within the arts community, with singer Kobi Afalo calling the creators "despicable enemies" fueling antisemitism, and child star Michal Mohtar calling for immediate citizenship revocation. Actor Aki Avni drew parallels to the Oscar-winning film "No Other Land," which also depicted the IDF negatively, questioning if the creators were trying to replicate that success.