Israeli Rights Groups Back Filmmakers Facing Backlash Over Gaza AI Documentary

Over 40 Israeli organizations advocating for human rights, equality, and peace have issued a joint statement supporting the directors of the documentary "NAZA," Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor. The filmmakers have faced threats and severe criticism in Israel since their film won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. Graffiti depicting their faces with the word "traitors" was discovered in Ashdod.

The documentary, which has not yet had a wide public release, features anonymous testimonies from 24 Israelis described as having served in the army or intelligence services. It examines the use of artificial intelligence systems in selecting targets in Gaza.

Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar called the film an "act of treason" and demanded the revocation of the filmmakers' Israeli citizenship. He also called for an investigation into the anonymous sources used in the documentary. The 43 organizations urged authorities to end the threats and cease calls for prosecution or stripping the directors of their nationality, stating that citizenship is a fundamental right, not a reward from the government.

The signatories believe the institutional reactions to the film resemble authoritarian regimes and emphasized the protection of freedom of expression, press, and artistic creation, warning that intimidation tactics could extend to other critical voices. They acknowledged that most of their representatives had not yet seen "NAZA," clarifying their support is primarily for the directors' rights and the need for an independent investigation into the documentary's claims.

A separate petition signed by over 1,500 Israeli film professionals, reported by The Guardian, also alerted to the potential physical safety risks for Abraham and Szor due to the threats and hostile campaign. The Committee to Protect Journalists has also called on Israeli authorities to end threats of legal action, highlighting the importance of press freedom in a democracy. The claims made in "NAZA" remain contested in Israel. The film is currently screening at international festivals before its wider public release.