IDF Refutes Claims in Gaza War Documentary, Citing Manipulation

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have issued a comprehensive official response to the documentary film "NAZA" by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, which generated significant attention nearly a month after its release. The military characterized the film as "distorted, misleading, and unrealistic," accusing its creators of manipulation and factual errors.

The IDF addressed seven key points raised in the film regarding combat operations in Gaza. They asserted that military directives clearly distinguish between combatants and civilians, aiming to minimize collateral damage. The IDF denied planning or approving attacks with an expected 500 civilian casualties, stating that artificial intelligence is never solely responsible for target selection; final decisions are always made by authorized human officers. The army also refuted claims of automatic authorization for strikes based on a fixed number of permissible civilian casualties, clarifying that the "Lavender" system is an analytical database, not a "kill list."

Regarding evacuation orders, the IDF stated that warnings to the population do not grant permission to strike areas where civilians remain. The military also emphasized its regular assessment of attack outcomes, incident investigations, and learning processes, which they claim the filmmakers overlooked. The IDF criticized the film's reliance on individuals who served only in initial intelligence roles, excluding military lawyers, planners, and commanders responsible for minimizing harm.

The military also pointed to the film's omission of crucial context, including the October 7th attacks, Hamas's strategy of using civilians as human shields, and the IDF's efforts to deliver humanitarian aid, cancel dangerous attacks, and alter plans to save lives. The IDF explained that the term "Nezek Agavi" (collateral damage), used in the film's title, is a standard international term for assessing strike legality and protecting civilians, not an indication of cynicism. They acknowledged the significant moral burden soldiers face when making decisions involving risks to human life, framing it as a reflection of the process's seriousness, not indifference.

Finally, the IDF stated its openness to objective criticism and investigation of actual violations but labeled Abraham and Shore's film a one-sided political manifesto. They also noted a breach of professional standards, as the filmmakers did not seek an official comment from the command before publication. Previously, director Yuval Abraham stated in the US that Israel continues killings and crimes, with American support and funding.