Ex-IDF Intelligence Officer Slams "NezA" Documentary as Blood Libel

A former intelligence officer who served in the IDF's captive and missing persons unit during the recent conflict has vehemently criticized the documentary "NezA," calling its claims a "blood libel" and asserting that the processes depicted are not reflective of reality.

Yair Miron, a reserve major who worked in the intelligence unit responsible for approving strikes, stated on a television program that he had not watched the entire film, as even IDF spokespersons were withholding it for festival screenings. He explained that his firsthand experience with strike approval processes, particularly within the unit dealing with hostages and missing persons, led him to believe the documentary's portrayal is inaccurate.

Miron specifically addressed claims within the film, including one suggesting a strike could be authorized to eliminate a single individual even if it meant killing 500 civilians. He stated that anyone familiar with the approval process knows it is far more complex and stringent than depicted. He also dismissed as false the assertion that a strike could be approved based solely on hearing a child's voice saying "father" on the phone, declaring, "There is no such thing."

He further refuted the idea that artificial intelligence is responsible for carrying out attacks, calling it a "complete lie." Miron argued that technology has aided the IDF, sometimes helping to save lives, but has not led to the types of incidents described in the film. He expressed frustration that the documentary's creators, who he suggested may not fully understand the intricacies of IDF intelligence operations, are presenting misleading information to a vast audience.

Miron contrasted the documentary's alleged revelations with the rigorous security and censorship processes his own book on the hostage unit underwent. He questioned the authorization of the "NezA" interviewees to speak publicly about sensitive intelligence matters, suggesting they are either lying or misleading the public and should face legal consequences. The program also presented evidence contradicting the film's narrative, including a recording of an IDF decision to halt an attack at the last minute due to concerns about civilian casualties.