IDF Soldiers in Controversial Film Should Testify or Face Prosecution, Says Opinion Piece

An opinion piece published by i24NEWS argues that Israeli soldiers and officers who appeared in the controversial film "NezA" should either corroborate their testimonies or face legal action. The author, Shimon Elkabets, a former head of the Culture Administration and Israeli Film Council, asserts that the blurred and voice-distorted interviews, which accuse the IDF of intentional killing and genocide, constitute defamation and malicious slander.

Elkabets, who has extensive experience in media management and freedom of expression, calls on the IDF Chief of Staff and head of Military Intelligence to investigate the soldiers, reportedly from Unit 8200, who provided testimonies for the film. He notes the intelligence unit's failure on October 7th and suggests its commanders need to conduct a serious self-examination.

If the soldiers' claims of intentional killing are true, Elkabets suggests they should be protected by military legal counsel and encouraged to reveal what they know. However, if their statements are false, he insists they should be prosecuted for damaging the reputation of Israel and its soldiers. He draws a parallel to refusing illegal orders, stating that these soldiers, by their own account, were part of the alleged mechanism rather than refusing it.

The piece references other reactions to the film, including the IDF Chief of Staff's strong condemnation and directives for action, anger from former hostages, and an emergency meeting of the Israeli Film Council. Elkabets concludes by questioning the loyalty of those who appeared in the film, suggesting their actions cause significant harm rather than incidental damage.