Israeli Culture Minister Asks Shin Bet to Investigate Film Creators

Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar has formally requested the Shin Bet security agency to investigate the sources and circumstances under which materials were provided to the creators of the film "Nezah." The minister's letter to Shin Bet head David Zini aims to support a process initiated by the Interior Ministry to revoke the Israeli citizenship of the film's creators, Yuval Avraham and Rachel Shor, for alleged breach of trust.

Zohar specifically asked the Shin Bet to examine who supplied the materials, how they were obtained, whether classified information was unlawfully accessed or used, and if enemy elements, including Hamas, were involved in providing the information. The minister emphasized that the inquiry is not about political stances or cinematic expression but rather about potential criminal or security breaches in the acquisition, transfer, or publication of the materials.

Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir alluded to the controversy surrounding the film during a recent event, stating that attempts to tarnish the IDF and its commanders involve "lies and baseless manipulations." While not explicitly naming the film, Zamir defended the IDF's actions, asserting it is the "most moral army in the world" and adheres to international law while striving to avoid civilian casualties. He also highlighted the importance of mutual responsibility in defending the IDF's international legitimacy.

In parallel, the IDF and Shin Bet announced the elimination of senior Hamas officials in Gaza, including Na'al Abu Abid, commander of the Rafah brigade, and Ahmed Bats, commander of the Jabalia battalion. The military stated that precise munitions and aerial surveillance were used to minimize civilian harm during these operations.

Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz has joined Zohar's call to revoke the creators' citizenship, criticizing the portrayal of IDF soldiers as murderers and arguing that such expression goes beyond freedom of speech in Israel. A senior IDF official also recently commented on the low rate of civilian casualties in Gaza, calling it "unprecedented in global terms" and noting that the US is studying the IDF's performance. According to IDF data, the ratio of collateral damage is less than 1:1 since the ceasefire, with 550 terrorists eliminated.