Israeli Film Criticizing IDF Gaza Operations Becomes Box Office Hit
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
The Israeli documentary "NAZA," which criticizes the IDF's actions in Gaza, has been seen by over 1.5 million viewers worldwide and grossed $13.5 million. Directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shor, the film uses anonymous interviews to discuss the use of AI in targeting and alleges deliberate civilian casualties. The film's release caused a political scandal in Israel, with Prime Minister Netanyahu condemning it, while the European Federation of Journalists defended the filmmakers. An online screening is planned for December.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli documentary "NAZA" drew over 1.5 million viewers and $13.5 million globally.
- The film "NAZA" investigates IDF Gaza operations using anonymous soldier interviews.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu accused "NAZA" filmmakers of aiding antisemitic incitement.
- Minister of Culture Miki Zohar proposed revoking the directors' Israeli citizenship.
- The European Federation of Journalists defended the "NAZA" filmmakers against intimidation.
- An international online screening of "NAZA" is scheduled for early December.
The documentary film "NAZA," directed by Israelis Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shor, has achieved significant commercial success, drawing over 1.5 million viewers in 47 countries and earning $13.5 million in international box office revenue. The 80-minute film, which has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli leadership, focuses on the Israeli military's operations in the Gaza Strip. Its narrative is built upon investigations published between 2023 and 2025 by +972 Magazine, Local Call, and The Guardian. "NAZA" features anonymous interviews with 24 individuals claiming to be soldiers, military intelligence personnel, and informants who discuss the use of artificial intelligence and automated surveillance systems in target selection. The filmmakers accuse Israel of deliberately striking civilian targets, leading to civilian deaths. To protect their identities, the interviewees' faces and voices are altered.
The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it received a special jury prize and a 25-minute standing ovation from the audience. "NAZA" has performed exceptionally well in Italy, becoming the third most-watched documentary in the country's cinema history. In France, over 82,000 people watched the film during a special two-day release, and more than 83,000 tickets were sold in Germany.
The film's release has sparked a political controversy in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the filmmakers of aiding international antisemitic incitement and called for an investigation into the soldiers who provided interviews. Minister of Culture Miki Zohar proposed revoking the directors' Israeli citizenship. The IDF released a detailed response to the film.
In response to the criticism and threats against the filmmakers, the European Federation of Journalists condemned the actions as an attempt to intimidate journalists. A free international online screening of "NAZA" is scheduled on The Guardian's website in early December. The film has also been shortlisted for the European Film Award for Best Documentary.