IDF Chief of Staff Vows Action Against 'Blood Libel' Film Targeting Soldiers

The Israeli military's Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi, convened a high-level consultation on Sunday to address the film "Naza," which he described as an intentional effort to undermine the legitimacy of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the State of Israel. Kochavi asserted that the film is not a critique of the IDF or an attempt to uncover truth, but rather a fabrication based on "blood libels," deliberate distortions of reality, and false accusations against soldiers and commanders.

"This is a move against the State of Israel, not just against the IDF," Kochavi stated. "It adopts narratives of Israel's enemies, slanders our soldiers and commanders, and seeks to portray the IDF as acting intentionally unlawfully. This is a dangerous attempt to strip us of our legitimacy to defend ourselves against the worst of our enemies, thereby seriously endangering IDF soldiers and commanders."

Kochavi emphasized that the IDF operates in accordance with international law and its own values, striving to minimize harm to civilians. He vowed that the military would not allow soldiers to be targeted with lies and false accusations, pledging to act decisively with all available legal, command, and public relations tools. He also stressed the need for a broad national and international public relations effort involving the Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Justice, and other relevant bodies.

Following the discussion, Kochavi ordered a series of measures to counter the film. A multidisciplinary team will be established, led by the head of the Planning Directorate, to develop strategies for addressing false claims against the IDF. The Military Advocate General was instructed to examine and advance potential legal actions against the film and those involved, particularly concerning the dissemination of false claims and their potential impact on personal and national security. The investigation will also explore possible involvement in the leaking of classified materials used in the film's production and related information security aspects. The Chief of Staff reiterated the IDF's commitment to protecting its soldiers, commanders, and the good name of the army.