Israel's New Gaza Film Sparks Political Fury
Israel’s latest documentary, NAZA, has triggered an unprecedented wave of condemnation across the political spectrum. Accusations of genocide, AI‑driven targeting, and a broader narrative of media silence have united opposition and government alike in a campaign to strip the filmmakers of citizensh…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Israel’s political climate has been heated for months, but the release of the documentary NAZA has taken the country by storm. The film, produced by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, alleges that the Israeli military used artificial intelligence to target civilians in Gaza, resulting in widespread deaths. While some of these claims were reported earlier in 2024, NAZA has brought them to the forefront of public debate, sparking a wave of fury that cuts across the political spectrum.
From Allegations to Outrage
NAZA’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival was met with a 25‑minute standing ovation, a stark contrast to the muted reception the film received in Israel. The documentary’s central claim—that AI systems were used to identify and strike entire buildings in Gaza—has been a point of contention since April 2024. The film also accuses the Israeli military of committing genocide, deliberately causing famine, and unlawfully killing children. These allegations were largely ignored by Israeli media, which many critics say has been complicit in shaping public perception of the war.
In the days following the film’s release, Culture Minister Miki Zohar demanded that Abraham and Szor be stripped of their citizenship. Army chief Eyal Zamir dismissed the film as “blood libel” and ordered a legal probe into the filmmakers’ sources. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited NAZA in his push to pass legislation that would revoke citizenship from anyone deemed to be “smearing” the country’s soldiers.
Media Silence and the Rise of the Narrative
Studies by the Committee to Protect Journalists and the think tank Molad have highlighted a troubling trend: Israeli media has largely avoided covering the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In a 2025 report, only 3% of Channel 12’s coverage mentioned Gaza’s suffering, and of 206 war‑related clips, only two showed Palestinian civilian casualties. This silence has fueled a narrative that the war was forced upon Israel and that Hamas’s use of civilians as human shields made mass casualties unavoidable.
Journalist Anat Saragusti, head of press freedom at the Union of Journalists in Israel, criticized the mainstream media’s failure to investigate the army’s conduct. “The Israeli media hardly reported on the human toll and the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” she said. She added that the national narrative framed Palestinian deaths as collateral damage rather than as a result of Israeli actions.
Cross‑Party Condemnation and Political Fallout
Even parties traditionally aligned with the opposition have joined in condemning the filmmakers. Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot labeled the film a “moral blindness” that harms the state. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who is running in the upcoming elections, called the documentary a “horrific blood libel.” The backlash has intensified as the election approaches, with politicians and media outlets forming a coordinated campaign against the filmmakers.
Graffiti branding Abraham and Szor as “traitors” has appeared on walls in Ashdod, and the Shin Bet has been called upon to investigate the film’s production. The situation has escalated to the point where journalists, who might have been expected to show solidarity, are instead attacking the filmmakers. This wave of hostility has raised concerns about freedom of expression and the role of the press in a democratic society.
What Happens Next?
The Israeli government’s next steps remain uncertain. While the Prime Minister has introduced legislation to revoke citizenship for those who “smear” the military, it is unclear whether this will be applied to the filmmakers. The film’s producers are reportedly preparing to defend themselves in court, while civil society groups are calling for a broader investigation into the allegations. The political climate is tense, and the outcome of these legal and political battles could shape Israel’s approach to media freedom and accountability in the years to come.
As the country heads toward the October elections, the debate over NAZA highlights deep divisions about how the war in Gaza is portrayed and understood. Whether the film’s claims will be substantiated remains to be seen, but the controversy has already reshaped the national conversation on war, media, and accountability.
Key facts
- NAZA claims AI‑driven targeting of civilians in Gaza
- Israeli media’s silence on humanitarian crisis fuels skewed narratives
- Cross‑party condemnation seeks to strip filmmakers of citizenship
- Legal probes and legislation threaten freedom of expression
- The controversy may influence Israel’s upcoming elections
Why it matters
NAZA’s allegations have forced a national reckoning over media bias, military accountability, and the limits of free speech in Israel, potentially reshaping the country’s political discourse.
Frequently asked questions
What is NAZA?
NAZA is a documentary by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor that accuses the Israeli military of using AI to target civilians in Gaza.
Why is the film controversial?
The film challenges the mainstream narrative, accusing the military of genocide and other war crimes, leading to calls for the filmmakers’ citizenship to be revoked.
What has the government done?
Culture Minister Miki Zohar demanded citizenship revocation, Army chief Eyal Zamir ordered an investigation, and Prime Minister Netanyahu introduced related legislation.
How has the media responded?
Israeli media largely avoided coverage of the humanitarian crisis, contributing to a narrative that downplays Palestinian suffering.
What could happen next?
The filmmakers may face legal action, and the controversy could shape public opinion and policy ahead of the elections.
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “NAZA: Why are old Gaza allegations causing new fury in Israel?”
