Israel Plans Campaign Against Documentary Film 'NAZA'

Israel's Foreign Ministry and the IDF are developing a comprehensive public relations campaign to counter the documentary film 'NAZA,' which recently received a jury prize at the Venice Film Festival. Officials stated that the film falsely portrays the conflict, asserting that there is no genocide in Gaza and that those claiming otherwise are misinformed. They emphasized that the film misrepresents the IDF's efforts to minimize civilian casualties while targeting Hamas terrorists, contrasting this with Hamas's alleged use of civilians as human shields. The IDF has refuted specific claims in the film, such as the assertion of 500 civilian deaths, and is coordinating with the Foreign Ministry to release official statements and materials.

The film, created by Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, has also created diplomatic challenges. It has reignited international discussion about civilian casualties in Gaza, causing discomfort for Israel's allies. The film's Israeli origins and its reliance on testimonies from IDF soldiers and officers make it difficult for Israel to dismiss as mere hostile media. Friendly nations' ambassadors have urged Israel to launch a significant campaign to present its facts, including instances where IDF operations were canceled or postponed due to concerns about civilian presence, such as incidents near UNRWA schools in Nuseirat and other cases involving ambulances and civilian proximity.

Israeli Foreign Ministry Director-General Eden Bar-Tal was scheduled to hold a meeting regarding the film on September 14. Israeli ambassadors abroad are reportedly seeking to engage more speakers to counter the film's accusations and are considering paid advertising campaigns. Meanwhile, Israeli Minister of Culture and Sport Miki Zohar called for the film's creators to be stripped of their Israeli citizenship, citing their alleged disloyalty and cooperation with the enemy during wartime. He also requested an investigation into how the film's materials were obtained and whether any actions aided the enemy.

French philosopher Raphael Enthoven criticized Zohar's stance, arguing that attempting to revoke citizenship would be counterproductive and demonstrate intolerance towards dissent. He suggested that refuting the film's facts, if necessary, is the appropriate response. Gadi Eisenkot, head of the National Unity Party, stated that while criticism is legitimate in a democracy, the film's distorted and one-sided portrayal of IDF soldiers' actions constitutes moral blindness and harms Israel during a difficult time.

'NAZA' features interviews with 24 soldiers from IDF Unit 8200, who reportedly provide accounts of the IDF's policy regarding civilian collateral damage during counter-terrorism operations. The film also explores the use of artificial intelligence by Unit 8200, with interviewees claiming AI recommended targets, potentially leading to the deaths of terrorists' family members, based on intercepted phone calls.