Netanyahu Demands Investigation into 'Incidental Damage' Film
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for a full investigation into the participants of the film "Naza" (Incidental Damage), alleging serious security offenses and defamation. The film, which examines the IDF's targeting processes in Gaza during the Swords of Iron War using anonymous testimonies, has sparked significant criticism in Israel. The Prime Minister's demand follows other governmental actions, including a review of film festival scoring and a proposal to revoke the filmmakers' citizenship.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded an investigation into the film "Naza" for security offenses and defamation.
- The film "Naza" reportedly uses anonymous testimonies to examine IDF targeting in Gaza and Palestinian civilian deaths.
- Minister of Culture Miki Zohar proposed revoking the filmmakers' citizenship for alleged treason.
- The Israeli Film Council will reconsider scoring for festivals representing Israel and may review the film.
- Director Rachel Shore acknowledged the intense backlash but affirmed her and co-director Yuval Avraham's desire to return to Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the participants of the film "Naza" (Incidental Damage), citing serious information security offenses, criminal defamation, and harm to Israel's diplomatic and security interests. In a statement, Netanyahu described the film as a "false, misleading, and tendentious narrative that slanders the State of Israel and the IDF to the world and severely damages Israel's standing."
The film, directed by Yuval Avraham and Rachel Shore, focuses on the Israeli Air Force's target selection processes in Gaza and the killing of Palestinian civilians during the Swords of Iron War, featuring anonymous testimonies from soldiers and officers of Unit 8200. The documentary has drawn sharp criticism in Israel due to its potential informational implications and the difficulty in independently verifying the identities and roles of the interviewees.
Netanyahu's call for an investigation follows other reactions to the film, which recently won a special award. The Israeli Film Council will reconsider the scoring given to film festivals representing Israel abroad and may require the film to be screened for council members and relevant officials. Additionally, Minister of Culture and Sport Miki Zohar has asked the Interior Ministry director-general to explore revoking the filmmakers' citizenship, alleging treason.
In parallel, Netanyahu announced plans to advance legislation that would allow for the revocation of citizenship and increase damages in defamation lawsuits against those he claims defame the country and IDF soldiers. Director Rachel Shore recently addressed the backlash in an interview with The Guardian's "Stateside" podcast, acknowledging the "enormous" and "intense" reaction, expressing concern for her parents, but affirming her and co-director Yuval Avraham's desire to return to Israel, which they consider home.
The controversy surrounding "Naza" has moved from the cinematic sphere into political, legal, and security arenas, with Netanyahu's demand placing the film at the center of public discourse.
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