IDF Denies Allegations in 'Nez'a' Film, Citing Distorted Narrative

The spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a strong response on Thursday to the film 'Nez'a,' accusing it of presenting a distorted, misleading, and unrealistic portrayal of the IDF's target planning and attack processes. The IDF stated that the film's narrative is built upon significant factual errors stemming from a misrepresented and manipulative presentation.

In a detailed document outlining seven main points, the IDF refuted specific claims made in the film. The military emphasized that its attack processes are based on distinguishing between combatants and uninvolved civilians in Gaza, prohibiting attacks on civilians, and minimizing civilian casualties. The IDF asserted it has never planned, approved, or executed an attack where the deaths of 500 civilians or a similar number were anticipated, nor has it ever been seriously accused of causing such a high number of civilian fatalities in a single strike.

The IDF clarified that artificial intelligence has never independently selected targets for attack. Target identification is exclusively performed by qualified intelligence officers, attack planning by relevant professionals, and the final decision rests with operational commanders. The military also refuted the film's claim that IDF regulations automatically permit attacks on targets endangering a predetermined number of civilians, citing specific examples from the film regarding junior operatives and senior commanders.

Furthermore, the IDF explained that 'Lavender,' a system mentioned in the film, is not a database of approved targets but rather a tool to assist intelligence analysts. The military also denied that evacuation warnings grant permission to disregard the presence of civilians remaining in an area during an attack. The IDF stated it actively investigates the outcomes of its strikes, including unintended civilian harm, contrary to the film's allegations, using these investigations to initiate inquiries into hundreds of incidents and derive lessons learned.