IDF Issues Strong Rebuttal to 'Nezah' Film on Gaza Operations

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has issued a sharp and detailed response to the film 'Nezah,' which aired three weeks ago, calling it a distorted, misleading, and unrealistic portrayal of IDF target planning and execution. The military asserts the film is based on significant factual errors and manipulations.

In its statement, the IDF clarified that, contrary to claims in the film, military regulations clearly distinguish between combatants and uninvolved civilians, prohibit targeting civilians, and mandate minimizing civilian harm. The IDF also stated it has never planned, approved, or carried out an attack in Gaza where the death of 500 civilians or a similar number was anticipated.

Regarding the use of technology, the IDF explained that artificial intelligence has never independently selected targets for attack. Target identification is performed solely by qualified intelligence officers, with operational commanders making the final decisions. The military also clarified that the 'Lavender' system is not a database of approved targets but rather a tool to assist intelligence analysts, and no order grants automatic approval for attacks endangering a predetermined number of civilians.

The IDF further noted that many errors in the film stem from interviewees who served in junior intelligence roles and are unfamiliar with the operational approval process, which involves legal advisors and commanders. The military also criticized the film for omitting the context of the October 7th Hamas attack, Hamas's strategy of using civilians as human shields, and the IDF's efforts to minimize civilian casualties.

Finally, the IDF stated its adherence to international law, its process of investigating operational errors, and expressed that the filmmakers unusually chose not to seek IDF comment before publication or provide a copy for review.