IDF Chief of Staff Orders Review of Classified Material Leak for Controversial Film

The Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi, held a special consultation on Monday regarding the film "NezA," which he described as a deliberate attempt to harm the legitimacy of the IDF and the State of Israel. Following the discussion, Kochavi ordered a review of potential legal actions against the film and its participants, alongside an examination of whether classified materials were leaked and used in its production.

"Based on the publications so far, this is not a film of criticism of the IDF, nor an attempt to ascertain the truth," Kochavi stated. "It is based on blood libels, a deliberate distortion of reality, and false and severe accusations against IDF soldiers and their commanders." He asserted that the film not only harms the military but the entire nation, adopting narratives of Israel's enemies and aiming to portray the IDF as acting unlawfully.

Kochavi emphasized that the IDF operates in accordance with international law and its own values, striving to minimize harm to uninvolved individuals. He called for a broad national and international public relations effort, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, and the National Public Diplomacy Directorate.

"We will not allow IDF soldiers to be made 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."

In response to the film, Kochavi also ordered the establishment of a multi-organizational, multi-disciplinary team, led by the head of the Planning Directorate, to formulate strategies for countering false claims against the IDF and its soldiers, with the involvement of Israeli and international experts. The Military Advocate General was instructed to examine and advance potential legal actions concerning the film and those involved. Simultaneously, possible involvement in the leak of classified materials used for the film's production will be investigated. The IDF stressed its commitment to using all available means to protect soldiers, commanders, and the army's reputation.