Controversial Gaza War Film 'Nez' Tops Italian Box Office, Surpassing 'Avengers'

The controversial Israeli documentary "Nez" (meaning "The Law" in Hebrew), which presents a stark and debated depiction of IDF soldiers' actions in the Gaza Strip, has achieved surprising box office success in Italy. Within just two days of its release, the film grossed approximately 1.1 million euros (about $1.2 million), securing the top spot on Italy's daily box office charts. Notably, it surpassed the re-release of "Avengers: Endgame," a global blockbuster that shattered box office records in 2019 and grossed nearly $2.8 billion worldwide. On its second day, "Nez" earned about 623,000 euros, significantly outperforming "Endgame's" 177,000 euros in Italy.

The film, which has generated considerable controversy in Israel, is based on anonymous testimonies from Israeli soldiers and intelligence personnel. It raises serious allegations regarding the conduct of forces, target selection, and civilian casualties during the war. The IDF has rejected the film's claims, asserting that its operations comply with international law and include efforts to minimize civilian harm.

Despite facing sharp criticism in Israel for its portrayal of IDF soldiers and operations in Gaza, "Nez" is drawing large audiences in Italy, highlighting a significant contrast in reception.