Israel Considers Defunding Cultural Institutions Showing Gaza IDF Film

Israel's Ministry of Culture and Sport is preparing legal grounds to withdraw state funding from cultural institutions that screen the documentary film "NAZA," which details the actions of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the Gaza Strip. The move was reported by Kan Bet radio.

Concurrently, the Cinematography Council announced it plans to re-evaluate how it awards points to film festivals for state funding in light of "NAZA's" release. While the council stated it supports diverse opinions and critical cinema, it believes the film "crosses a red line." The council also raised concerns about the film's use of anonymous sources, questioning the reliability of the testimonies presented.

Israel already has a legal framework that allows for the reduction of state funding for cultural bodies. Article 3b of the Budget Foundations Law permits the Minister of Finance, with the agreement of the relevant minister, to cut funding after hearings. This can occur if funds are used for activities that deny Israel's existence as a Jewish and democratic state, incite racial hatred, violence, or terrorism, or support terrorism.

"NAZA," directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shor, focuses on IDF operations in Gaza and includes anonymous interviews with soldiers and intelligence personnel. The film received a special jury prize at the Venice Film Festival, which concluded on September 12.