IDF Chief of Staff Orders Legal Review of 'NzA' Film Accusations

The Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, held a consultation regarding the film 'NzA' (Nazarene), which he described as an intentional attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the IDF and the State of Israel. The film, he stated, is based on blood libels, deliberate distortions of reality, and grave false accusations against IDF soldiers and commanders. Kochavi emphasized that the IDF operates in accordance with international law and its own values, striving to minimize harm to uninvolved civilians, with a significantly lower rate of civilian casualties compared to other militaries relative to terrorists.

"This is a move against the State of Israel, not just against the IDF," Kochavi asserted, adding that the film adopts narratives of Israel's enemies, slanders Israeli soldiers and commanders, and seeks to portray the IDF as acting unlawfully. He warned that this is a dangerous attempt to strip Israel of its legitimacy to defend itself against its worst enemies, thereby endangering IDF soldiers and commanders.

Kochavi declared that the IDF will not allow its soldiers to be targeted through lies and blood libels, and that such attempts must be met with determination using all available legal, command, and public diplomacy tools. He stressed the need for a broad national and international public diplomacy effort, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the National Public Diplomacy Directorate, and other relevant bodies.

Following the discussion, Kochavi ordered the establishment of a multi-organizational, multi-disciplinary team, led by the head of the Planning Directorate, to formulate strategies and tools for addressing false claims against the IDF and its soldiers, with the involvement of Israeli and international experts. Additionally, he instructed the Military Advocate General to examine and advance potential legal actions against those involved in the film, particularly due to the dissemination of false claims that could impact the personal security of soldiers and the state.

Kochavi also ordered a review of information security aspects and potential involvement related to the leaking of classified materials used in the film's production. He reiterated the IDF's commitment to using all available means to protect its soldiers, commanders, and the good name of the Israel Defense Forces.