Netanyahu Demands Investigation into 'Incidental Damage' Film

The film, directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shor, features testimonies from current and former soldiers of the elite intelligence Unit 8200 regarding IDF operations and conduct toward civilians in Gaza. Netanyahu stated that the film spins a false, misleading, and tendentious narrative that defames Israel and the IDF internationally, severely damaging the country's global standing. He expressed grave concern that the participants committed serious criminal offenses by exposing highly classified information, creating a breach in the information security of a sensitive intelligence unit.

The IDF had previously issued a detailed 17-page response strongly criticizing the film, calling its depiction of targeting processes distorted and factually incorrect. The military clarified that its regulations strictly distinguish between terrorists and uninvolved civilians, and refuted claims of AI independently selecting targets or planning attacks expected to kill 500 civilians. Last month, reports indicated that IDF elements had approached the Shin Bet for assistance in investigating potential leaks of classified information during the film's production.

Minister of Culture and Sport Miki Zohar supported Netanyahu's demand, calling the film abominable and urging the Shin Bet to investigate whether any actions were taken on behalf of a terrorist organization during wartime. This followed a report by Now 14 alleging connections between Yuval Abraham and terrorist elements, based on research by the Yesha Council's intelligence hub. Meanwhile, the film has achieved significant commercial success in Italy, topping box office charts and earning nearly one million euros in its first three days.