Israeli minister threatens to strip Israeli film-makers of citizenship over Gaza documentary NAZA
Israel’s culture minister Miki Zohar has called for the revocation of Israeli citizenship for the directors of the documentary NAZA, accusing them of treason. The film, which exposes alleged civilian casualties in Gaza, has won awards and sparked backlash from Israeli officials. The move raises que…
On Sunday, Israel’s culture minister Miki Zohar announced that he would pursue the revocation of Israeli citizenship for the directors of the documentary NAZA. The film, which won a special jury prize at the Venice Film Festival and an Oscar in 2025 for another work, alleges that Israeli intelligence used AI‑powered targeting systems that caused massive civilian casualties in Gaza.
What Happened
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Zohar accused the filmmakers, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, of “treason against the state” and declared that he would act immediately to strip them of their citizenship. The directors had previously produced No Other Land, a documentary that exposed settler violence in the West Bank and earned an Oscar in 2025.
NAZA, named after an acronym used by Israel’s intelligence service to estimate civilian casualties in an airstrike, features interviews with 24 whistleblowers from the Israeli military and intelligence community. The film claims that the Israeli military approved the killing of 500 civilians to eliminate a single Hamas member, a figure that has drawn intense scrutiny.
Background and Context
The documentary was produced by the Guardian and premiered at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, where it received a 25‑minute standing ovation—an unprecedented record for the event. The film’s release follows the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,221 Israelis and the taking of 251 hostages. In the years since, Gaza has suffered extensive bombardment, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 73,000 civilian deaths.
Israel’s legal framework allows for the revocation of citizenship in cases of treason, espionage, or terrorism. In 2022, the Supreme Court confirmed that the state may strip nationality if an individual fails to demonstrate loyalty. The law was expanded in 2023 to include those convicted of terrorism. Revocation requires approval from the interior minister, the justice minister, and a judicial review.
Reactions from Israeli Officials
Other Israeli ministers joined Zohar in condemning the filmmakers. Far‑right national security minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir called them a “disgrace” and suggested that Hamas would welcome them. The Israeli military issued a statement rejecting the allegations made in NAZA and criticized the use of anonymous testimonies, arguing that the identities of the whistleblowers could not be verified.
Abraham’s family home was targeted by a right‑wing mob after the premiere of No Other Land, highlighting the heightened tensions surrounding the filmmakers’ work. The Guardian reported that the filmmakers felt they were taking risks in a system that privileges Jewish‑Israeli supremacy, contrasting the treatment of Palestinian journalists who face lethal repercussions for similar reporting.
What’s Next?
As of now, the revocation process has not yet been formally initiated. The filmmakers have not publicly responded to the accusations. International human rights groups and free‑speech advocates are monitoring the situation closely, warning that the move could set a dangerous precedent for artistic expression in conflict zones.
The case underscores the ongoing debate over the balance between national security and freedom of the press. Whether the Israeli government will follow through on its threat remains to be seen, but the controversy has already sparked global discussions about the limits of state power in the age of documentary filmmaking.
Why It Matters
The potential revocation of citizenship for documentary filmmakers raises critical questions about the protection of free speech, the role of whistleblowers, and the extent to which governments can penalize dissenting voices, especially in conflict settings.
Key Takeaways
- Israel’s culture minister threatens to revoke citizenship for NAZA directors, citing treason.
- NAZA exposes alleged AI‑driven targeting that caused civilian casualties in Gaza.
- Israel’s legal framework allows revocation for treason, espionage, or terrorism.
- Other Israeli officials, including the national security minister, have condemned the filmmakers.
- The filmmakers’ work has already faced violent backlash, including mob attacks on their homes.
- International free‑speech advocates warn of a dangerous precedent for artistic expression.
FAQ
- What is NAZA? NAZA is a documentary produced by the Guardian that investigates alleged civilian casualties caused by Israeli AI‑powered targeting systems in Gaza.
- Who are the directors? The film was directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, both Israeli filmmakers who have previously won an Oscar for No Other Land.
- Can Israel legally revoke citizenship? Yes, under Israeli law, citizenship can be revoked for treason, espionage, or terrorism, though it is rarely applied.
- What has the Israeli military said? The military has rejected the allegations in NAZA and questioned the verifiability of the whistleblowers’ identities.
- What is the international response? Human rights and free‑speech organizations are monitoring the situation and caution against setting a precedent that could stifle critical journalism.
Why it matters
The case highlights the tension between national security and freedom of expression, raising concerns about how governments may suppress dissenting voices in conflict zones.
Key points
- Israel’s culture minister threatens citizenship revocation for NAZA directors
- NAZA alleges AI‑driven targeting caused civilian casualties in Gaza
- Israeli law permits revocation for treason, espionage, or terrorism
- Other officials, including the national security minister, condemn the filmmakers
- Filmmakers’ homes faced mob attacks after previous work
- International free‑speech advocates warn of dangerous precedent
Frequently asked questions
What is NAZA?
NAZA is a documentary produced by the Guardian that investigates alleged civilian casualties caused by Israeli AI‑powered targeting systems in Gaza.
Who are the directors?
The film was directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, both Israeli filmmakers who have previously won an Oscar for No Other Land.
Can Israel legally revoke citizenship?
Yes, under Israeli law, citizenship can be revoked for treason, espionage, or terrorism, though it is rarely applied.
What has the Israeli military said?
The military has rejected the allegations in NAZA and questioned the verifiability of the whistleblowers’ identities.
What is the international response?
Human rights and free‑speech organizations are monitoring the situation and caution against setting a precedent that could stifle critical journalism.
