Israeli leaders attack NAZA documentary on Gaza war AI targeting

September 19, 2026 at 12:50 PM1 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Israeli officials and media have united in condemning the documentary NAZA, which details the military's use of AI targeting systems in Gaza. Culture Minister Miki Zohar called for the filmmakers' citizenship to be revoked and a treason investigation. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival to a 25-minute standing ovation.

Key Facts

Culture Minister Miki Zohar called for the filmmakers' citizenship to be revoked and a treason investigation by the internal intelligence service.
Army chief Eyal Zamir dismissed the film as blood libel and ordered a legal probe to identify its military and intelligence sources.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited the film when advancing legislation to revoke citizenship from anyone deemed to smear the country's soldiers.
The film received a 25-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival.

Official Condemnation

Culture Minister Miki Zohar reacted to the film's premiere by calling for the directors to be stripped of their citizenship and investigated by the internal intelligence service for treason. Army chief Eyal Zamir dismissed the film as being built on blood libel and ordered a legal probe to hunt down its military and intelligence sources. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited the film when advancing legislation to revoke citizenship from anyone deemed to be smearing the country's soldiers. In Ashdod, graffiti branding the directors 'traitors' appeared on walls.

Media and Public Response

Orly Noy, an editor at Local Call, said the attacks extend beyond politicians to journalists who are 'competing to attack' the filmmakers. The Committee to Protect Journalists reported in late 2025 that Israeli journalists described the media's approach as 'part of the war effort'. The film's allegations, including AI-generated targeting that killed entire buildings to eliminate one individual, were first reported in April 2024.