NAZA Film Directors Vow Return to Israel Amid Backlash
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
The co-directors of the documentary "NAZA," Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, intend to return to Israel despite facing backlash and threats following the film's release. The documentary, based on interviews with Israeli soldiers, discusses "collateral damage" and AI targeting systems. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the film, while the IDF denied its claims about operational planning. The directors are supported by 43 human rights organizations and aim to foster public dialogue.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore plan to return to Israel despite backlash over their documentary "NAZA."
- The film "NAZA" is based on anonymous interviews with 24 Israeli intelligence officers and soldiers.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the film's release a "ballistic missile strike" and suggested revoking citizenship.
- The IDF denied the film's claims, stating it distorts operational planning and that human decisions guide strikes.
- 43 human rights organizations publicly defended the filmmakers against pressure and threats.
- The directors hope the film will initiate a broad public dialogue in Israel.
The co-directors of the controversial documentary "NAZA," Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, have declared their firm intention to return to Israel, refusing to live in "forced exile." The film, which received a 25-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, is based on anonymous interviews with 24 Israeli intelligence officers and soldiers, conducted during covert night operations. Following the film's premiere, Abraham and Shore have not returned to Israel due to safety concerns. Shore stated that protests occurred outside her parents' home in Israel after the film's release, expressing distress that her family was drawn into the controversy. Abraham, however, was resolute, asserting their commitment to returning to Israel regardless of the circumstances. "We will return one hundred million percent. Maybe we'll shave our beards, but we are not going to sit in exile and will continue the fight on the ground," he stated.
The film's title refers to the Hebrew term "nezek agavi," translated as "collateral damage," which the filmmakers claim is often reduced to mere casualty figures for civilians in military discourse. It also examines the use of military AI systems like Lavender and Where's Daddy, alleging that these algorithms aided in targeting and striking residential buildings while considering acceptable civilian casualties. The Israeli leadership reacted strongly, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu comparing the film's release to a ballistic missile strike and suggesting the authors be stripped of their citizenship. The military also vowed to use all legal means against them.
The IDF spokesperson categorically denied the film's accusations, stating it distorts operational planning processes. The military emphasized that human decisions are always behind strike orders and that "collateral damage" is used solely for risk assessment, not to justify casualties. Despite significant pressure and threats, 43 human rights organizations publicly defended the filmmakers in September. Abraham and Shore hope their film will spark an honest and broad public dialogue in Israel.
