IDF Chief of Staff Orders Probe into Leaked Secrets for Gaza War Film

The Israeli military's Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into potential leaks of classified information used in the creation of the film "NAZA." The film, which focuses on the Gaza War through the testimonies of 24 soldiers and former soldiers from the elite Unit 8200, has drawn sharp criticism from the IDF for allegedly containing false accusations, including claims of war crimes and genocide.

Following a meeting with senior military officials, Zamir mandated the formation of a special task force to counter what the IDF deems baseless allegations against the army and its personnel. Additionally, the military advocate general has been instructed to explore legal actions against the film and its creators. The investigation will also scrutinize whether secret materials were unlawfully disclosed during the film's production, potentially involving current soldiers and reservists if they are found to have participated in any leak.

Zamir also directed an assessment of the film's potential repercussions on the IDF's international operations, with particular attention to Unit 8200 due to its extensive professional and business ties abroad. He vehemently denounced the film, stating, "Based on what has been published so far, this film does not criticize the IDF and is not an attempt to establish the truth. It is based on blood libels, deliberate distortion of reality, and serious false accusations against IDF soldiers and commanders." Zamir characterized the film as an attack on Israel itself, designed to undermine its right to self-defense and endanger its soldiers.

Earlier, IDF Spokesperson Brigadier General Efraim Defrin had requested a full version of the film from directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, asserting that promotional materials contained inaccurate and misleading claims. The film "NAZA" received the Critics' Prize at the Venice Film Festival and has been a subject of significant discussion, addressing topics such as bombings, collateral damage policies, and targeted assassinations during the Gaza War.

Abraham and Shore previously collaborated on the Oscar-winning documentary "No Other Land," which focused on Palestinians in Masafer Yatta in the West Bank.