Netanyahu Slams Israeli Film at Venice Festival, Citing 'Blood Libel'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly criticized an Israeli film screened at the Venice Film Festival, accusing it of slandering Israeli soldiers and damaging their image globally. Netanyahu stated he had seen the film and described it as "shocking," adding that such "incitement" is particularly dangerous when it originates from within Israel itself. He alleged that Israeli individuals and figures are contributing to the tarnishing of the army's reputation, referencing past statements by artists and officials, and condemning the alleged "misleading" leaked footage that harms soldiers' international image. The Prime Minister specifically criticized the film's Israeli directors, asserting they portrayed the IDF as committing war crimes, despite the film receiving praise at the festival.

Netanyahu's remarks come amid a growing debate in Israel concerning artistic and documentary works addressing the Gaza war and the IDF's conduct. This debate highlights a division between those who view these works as documenting reality and those who see them as undermining the nation's image and institutions. The film, titled "Naza," reportedly received a 24-minute standing ovation at the Venice festival, sparking anger within Israel.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also condemned the film, calling it a "horrific blood libel" against Israeli soldiers. He argued that the film falsely accuses Israel of genocide while Hamas terrorists committed atrocities on October 7th and continue to use Gazan civilians as human shields. Bennett emphasized the IDF's efforts to minimize civilian casualties, contrasting them with Hamas's actions, and stated that portraying soldiers as perpetrators of genocide is not courageous art but a "cowardly blood libel."

Commentator Gilad Levi-Kopelman suggested that Israeli films are now often required to portray Israel as a "demonic entity" to be accepted at international festivals like Venice. He also noted that while the principle of "purity of arms" has historically been upheld in the IDF, it is now being openly attacked by government members, with films like "Naza" being a consequence. Levi-Kopelman concluded that the celebration of the film at Venice is antisemitic, but that the Israeli government provides fuel for such sentiments.