Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued directives to the country’s attorney general and Shin Bet security service head requesting identification and prosecution of military personnel featured in the investigative documentary NAZA. The film, directed by Oscar-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor and produced by the Guardian, addresses civilian casualties in Gaza and is currently in theatrical release across multiple countries.
Newton’s letter demanded authorities “act urgently to uncover the identity of all those who are involved or appear in” the documentary and initiate criminal investigations on grounds including information security violations, defamation, and harm to diplomatic and security interests. The film premiered last month at the Venice International Film Festival, where it received the special jury prize following the longest standing ovation in the festival’s history. The title references intelligence terminology used to estimate civilian casualties in airstrikes.
The Israeli government has previously threatened to revoke the filmmakers’ citizenship and accused them of treason. Military leadership characterized the film as an attack on the state, though the military advocate general indicated that criminal prosecution would require evidence of actual security breaches or classified material disclosure. The military had already ordered officials to identify soldiers featured in the documentary and examine potential legal action.
Journalism organizations and international press freedom advocates have condemned the government’s actions as intimidation tactics. The European Federation of Journalists and film industry figures globally have expressed support for the directors’ right to pursue investigative work. The Guardian emphasized the rigor of its source verification process, which included classified documents and interviews with over 100 military sources. The Israeli government has simultaneously promoted a competing online film project styled similarly to NAZA, which critics characterized as an attempt to redirect attention from the original documentary’s allegations.
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