IDF Rejects "Distorted" Gaza Attack Depiction in New Documentary

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has issued a strong rebuttal to the documentary "Nezah," accusing its creators of presenting a "distorted, misleading, and unrealistic picture" of the planning of attacks in Gaza. In a detailed 17-page response released Thursday, the IDF stated that the film, by Yuval Avraham and Racheli Shor, is a "simplistic manifesto driven by a clear agenda."

The military specifically denied claims that an attack was planned or approved in Gaza that anticipated the deaths of 500 civilians or any number close to that. The IDF also asserted that artificial intelligence has never independently selected targets for attack, emphasizing that all decisions are made by professional personnel and commanders. The "Lavender" system, criticized in the film, was clarified as an intelligence research database, not a repository of approved targets.

The IDF further criticized the documentary's methodology, arguing that interviewees described early stages of intelligence work while omitting the roles of planning bodies, legal advisors, and commanders who ultimately approve or reject strikes. The military also stated they were not asked for comment before the film's release and did not receive a copy.

This response comes as the film is set for wider distribution, with The Guardian reporting it will be available for free online in late November. Avraham, in a September 25 post, defended the film, stating it was based on three years of research with verified details and vowed to continue his work despite threats against him and Shor.

The IDF had previously condemned the film on September 11, questioning the verification of interviewees' identities and roles. Despite the controversy in Israel, "Nezah" received a special jury prize at the Venice Film Festival and has achieved commercial success in Italy, grossing approximately 1.81 million euros with 243,000 viewers by September 30.