Israeli Culture Minister Threatens Funding Cuts for Theaters Showing Controversial Film

Israel's Minister of Culture and Sports, Miki Zohar, intends to revoke 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 the Interior Ministry investigate revoking the Israeli citizenship of the film's directors, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, alleging their actions could constitute a violation of loyalty to the state or collaboration with the enemy.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on September 14th, expressing his dismay that such content originates from within Israel, calling it "unbearable" while the country combats antisemitism abroad. 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 the film as "horrifying blood libel against our sons and daughters," while former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman accused the filmmakers of betraying Israel and its people for personal gain. The IDF Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, asserted that the film is a deliberate attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the IDF and the State of Israel, tasking the chief military prosecutor with exploring legal actions against those involved in its creation.

The Israeli Council for Cinematography expressed support for creative freedom and critical voices but deemed "NAZA" to have crossed a line by severely slandering IDF soldiers. The council also questioned the film's credibility due to its use of anonymous sources and regretted that its creators allegedly used artistic freedom to damage Israel's image for international awards and funding. The council affirmed its continued support for quality Israeli cinema while condemning its use to harm Israel and the IDF.