IDF Chief of Staff Defends Military Against 'Smear Campaign' Following Gaza Film

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi has publicly responded to controversy surrounding the documentary "Nezah" (Endurance), which alleges systematic harm to civilians in the Gaza Strip. Kochavi stated that attempts to discredit IDF soldiers and commanders are "baseless lies and manipulations," asserting that the military adheres to its values and international law, and strives to avoid harming innocents.

Kochavi made these remarks during an event honoring donors to the Association for the Soldiers. He emphasized that the IDF is the "most moral army in the world" and that this claim is made in the face of deliberate attacks on Israeli civilians and missile launches into Israeli cities. He reiterated the IDF's commitment to international law and minimizing civilian casualties.

The film, "Nezah," which premiered in Venice and won a special jury prize, features anonymous testimonies from 24 military and intelligence personnel alleging civilian deaths in Gaza. The controversy intensified when Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar announced his intention to seek the revocation of citizenship for the film's creators, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore.

International media, including The New York Times and The Times of London, have extensively covered the controversy. Reports highlight a perceived gap between Israel's self-image and its international perception, with The New York Times noting that the reactions to the film illustrate this sharp contrast. The British newspaper also pointed out that the identities of the interviewees were concealed to protect them, and that the film's accusations involve the use of technology to identify targets in Gaza.