IDF Chief of Staff Orders Legal Action, Leak Probe Over 'NZA' Film

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, has ordered a multi-pronged response to a film titled "NZA," which he described as a deliberate attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the IDF and the State of Israel. Kochavi convened a special meeting and instructed the Military Advocate General to explore legal measures against the film and its participants, and to investigate the potential leaking of classified materials for its production.

Kochavi emphasized that the film is not a critique but rather a fabrication based on "blood libels, deliberate distortion of reality, and false and severe accusations against IDF soldiers and commanders." He stated that the IDF will not allow its soldiers to be targeted and will use all available tools to protect them, their commanders, and the army's reputation. The chief of staff characterized the film as an effort against Israel, adopting narratives of its enemies and aiming to portray the IDF as acting unlawfully.

To combat the film's claims, Kochavi also ordered the establishment of a multidisciplinary team, led by the head of the Planning Directorate, to develop strategies and tools for addressing what the IDF deems false allegations. This team will include experts from Israel and abroad. The investigation into classified material leaks will examine possible involvement in such disclosures.

Furthermore, Kochavi called for a broad national and international public relations effort, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, and the National Public Diplomacy Directorate, to counter the film's narrative. The IDF stressed that the investigation will also consider the potential implications of the film's allegations on the personal security of IDF soldiers and the security of the state.