Culture Minister Backs Netanyahu's Plan to Revoke Citizenship Over Film

Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar has intensified his criticism of the documentary film "Nez.A," following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement of legislative plans to potentially revoke citizenship from individuals who defame Israeli soldiers or the state internationally. Zohar expressed his support for Netanyahu's initiative, stating, "It is time to put an end to this disgrace." This statement comes after Zohar requested the Shin Bet, Israel's internal security agency, to investigate the sources and evidence used by the film's creators, Yuval Avraham and Racheli Shor, particularly focusing on anonymous testimonies and the potential disclosure of sensitive security information.

The film features testimonies from 24 Israeli soldiers and intelligence personnel, some of whom remain unidentified. Zohar suspects that classified information may have been leaked and is seeking to determine if unauthorized dissemination of material occurred. These claims are currently Zohar's assertions and have not been substantiated by the Shin Bet or any investigative body.

This escalation follows Zohar's previous actions, including calling the film a "blood libel" and "treason" and asking the Ministry of Interior and the Population and Immigration Authority to explore legal avenues for revoking the creators' Israeli citizenship. While the Population and Immigration Authority stated it would examine the matter, revoking citizenship in Israel typically requires a court order based on severe breaches of loyalty, such as terrorism, treason, or espionage, and any expansion of these grounds would necessitate legislative changes.

Furthermore, Zohar is pressuring cultural institutions against screening "Nez.A," threatening to withdraw government funding from any venue that shows the film. He suggested that such screenings might violate the law, though this remains his personal stance rather than a legal determination.

In parallel, the Cinema Council recommended changes to government film funding, including removing points for international festival participation and creating a dedicated support track for films about IDF soldiers and Israeli military campaigns. Zohar intends to adopt these recommendations, which were reportedly in development before the controversy erupted but have gained urgency due to the "Nez.A" debate. The film's win at the Venice Film Festival and its portrayal of the IDF's actions in Gaza have sparked widespread condemnation from Israeli officials, while the IDF disputes the film's narrative, calling it distorted. The creators maintain their work aims to present evidence for public discussion.