Why Israel angry about ‘NAZA’ documentary?

Following the success of their Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’, two Israeli documentary filmmakers, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, have once again created a stir around the world.

Their new 80-minute controversial documentary ‘NAZA’ recently won the ‘Special Jury Prize’ at the historic 2026 Venice Film Festival.

After the screening, audiences and critics from around the world honoured the documentary with a standing ovation for 25 minutes.

However, despite being highly praised internationally, the filmmakers have faced intense criticism in their home country of Israel for the film.

The Netanyahu government has even threatened to revoke their citizenship, calling them ‘traitors’ to the country.

The Hebrew military word ‘naza’, which means the potential ‘collateral damage’ or killing of civilians in war, is where the film gets its name.

According to a BBC report, the documentary takes the explosive testimonies of 24 Israeli soldiers and intelligence officers who participated in the Gaza war, keeping their identities secret.

It highlights how artificial intelligence, automated technology and CCTV surveillance were used to carry out planned attacks on ordinary Palestinians in Gaza.

The film’s international release ignited a political firestorm in Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it ‘provocative and anti-Semitic’ and demanding punishment for the filmmakers.

Israeli Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar has accused the filmmakers of treason and ordered the Shin Bet intelligence agency to investigate, claiming that the documentary must contain some secret Hamas plot or information.

On the other hand, Israeli army Chief Lieutenant General Yeal Zamir called the matter a ‘bloody slander and utter falsehood’ and warned of legal action against the producers.

Yuval Abraham, the lead director of the documentary, which was co-produced by the internationally influential media outlet The Guardian, dismissed all legal threats and said that it is especially important for Israelis to watch the film because many of the interviewees are Israeli military and intelligence officials who speak Hebrew.

He said, “We made the film based on facts and secret evidence. Israelis should look at their own army in the mirror.”