IDF Chief of Staff Vows Action Against Film Accused of Defaming Soldiers

The Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi, convened a high-level consultation on Monday to address the film "Nez'a," which he described as an intentional attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the IDF and the State of Israel. The meeting included the Deputy Chief of Staff, the head of the Operations Directorate, the Military Advocate General, the commander of the Air Force, the commander of Unit 8200, the IDF Spokesperson, and other senior officers.

Kochavi asserted that the film is not a critique or an attempt to uncover truth, but rather is based on blood libels, deliberate distortions of reality, and grave false accusations against IDF soldiers and commanders. He stated that the film is a hostile act against Israel, aiming to tarnish the reputation of soldiers and commanders and portray the IDF as acting unlawfully. He warned that this could endanger soldiers and commanders by stripping Israel of its legitimacy to defend itself against its enemies.

"We will not allow IDF soldiers to be turned into targets through lies and blood libels," Kochavi declared. "We must act decisively against such an attempt with all the tools at our disposal, legal, command, and public relations."

He emphasized the need for a broad national and international public relations effort, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the National Public Diplomacy Directorate, and other relevant bodies. Following the discussion, the Chief of Staff ordered several actions: the establishment of a multi-organizational team to develop strategies for countering false claims against the IDF; the Military Advocate General was instructed to examine and advance possible legal actions against the film and its participants due to the dissemination of false claims that could impact personal and national security; and an examination of information security aspects and potential involvement related to the leak of classified materials used in the film's production.

Kochavi reiterated the IDF's commitment to using all available means to protect its soldiers, commanders, and the good name of the Israel Defense Forces.