Netanyahu Proposes Stripping Citizenship, Boosting Libel Damages Over Soldier Defamation

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday his intention to advance two government-backed legislative proposals in response to controversy surrounding the documentary film "Nez'a." The film, which recently won a special jury prize at the Venice Film Festival, reportedly depicts the actions of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza and is based in part on anonymous testimonies from individuals presented as Israeli soldiers and intelligence personnel.

Netanyahu linked the film's controversy to two prior incidents he claims harmed Israel and its soldiers. He cited former IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Yair Golan's remarks about soldiers killing babies as a hobby and an incident involving a female military prosecutor who allegedly released a "fake video" portraying soldiers as rapists. "We were all shocked by three cases that caused immense damage to the State of Israel and immense damage to IDF soldiers," Netanyahu stated.

"It's time to deal with this," he declared, outlining the proposed legislation. The first bill aims to revoke citizenship from individuals who defame IDF soldiers. The second seeks to significantly increase the financial penalties for libel, raising the potential compensation amount twentyfold.

"We will hit them both in their pockets and in their citizenship, because their place is not with us," Netanyahu asserted. He urged "Zionist" parties in the Knesset to support these proposals when they come to a vote, emphasizing his expectation of backing from all Knesset factions despite their differing political stances.