Netanyahu Demands Investigation into Filmmakers of Gaza AI Documentary

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for a comprehensive investigation into the participants of the documentary film "Nez'a," which has sparked controversy over its claims regarding the IDF's conduct during the Gaza war. Netanyahu has appealed to the Chief of Staff, the head of the Shin Bet, and the Attorney General to examine the possibility of prosecuting those involved for alleged violations of information security, criminal defamation, and harm to Israel's diplomatic and security interests.

"The film presents a false, misleading, and tendentious narrative that defames the State of Israel and the IDF to the world and severely damages Israel's standing," Netanyahu stated. The documentary, created by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shor, features anonymous testimonies from Israeli military sources discussing the use of artificial intelligence systems and target selection processes in the Gaza Strip. According to the testimonies, these systems were used to identify targets even when it was known that their attack could cause extensive civilian casualties.

The film gained international attention after its screening at the Venice Film Festival but drew sharp criticism within Israel. The IDF has rejected the film's claims, describing the picture it presents as distorted and misleading. The military asserted that its directives mandate distinguishing between combatants and uninvolved civilians, and that strike decisions are made by commanders, not automatically by AI systems.

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has ordered an examination of legal steps and information security aspects, including suspicions of leaking classified materials used in the film's production.