Israel's Culture Minister Threatens Funding Cuts for Theaters Showing Controversial Film

Israel's Minister of Culture and Sport, Miki Zohar, is planning to withdraw funding from state and municipal institutions that screen the controversial documentary "NAZA." The ministry is considering withholding state support from cultural venues, including theaters and cinemas, that show the film, according to Kan news.

Zohar stated that the government should not finance entities that provide platforms for works deemed harmful to Israel and its soldiers. He also requested that the Ministry of Interior investigate the possibility of revoking the Israeli citizenship of the film's directors, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, citing potential violations of loyalty to the state and collaboration with the enemy.

The documentary "NAZA," which received a special jury prize at the Venice Film Festival, has drawn widespread criticism from prominent Israeli politicians. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett described it as "horrifying blood libel against our sons and daughters," while former minister Avigdor Lieberman called the filmmakers' actions "betrayal" for personal glory.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir asserted that the film intentionally aims to undermine the legitimacy of the IDF and the State of Israel. He has instructed the chief military prosecutor to explore legal actions against those involved in its creation. The Israeli Council for Cinematography expressed support for creative freedom but deemed "NAZA" to have crossed a line by severely slandering IDF soldiers. The council also questioned the film's credibility due to anonymous sources and regretted its use to damage Israel's image for international awards, while affirming continued support for quality Israeli cinema.