Israeli Officials Probe Award-Winning Venice Festival Documentary on Gaza Conduct for Treason

Directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor received the Special Jury Prize for Naza during the closing ceremony of the 83rd Venice Film Festival in Venice Lido, Italy. Israeli officials have slammed a new documentary film concerning the military's conduct in Gaza, calling for legal action against both the filmmakers and their sources.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday labeled the documentary, titled Naza—which alleges that mass civilian casualties were routinely built into targeting decisions during Israel's war on Gaza—as a "shocking" film. He further accused it of contributing to a wave of global anti-Semitic incitement. Meanwhile, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir ordered a legal probe to hunt down sources, which include anonymous members of the military and Israeli intelligence. Additionally, the culture minister suggested the government could pursue treason charges.

The documentary, directed by Israeli journalists Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday after receiving a 25-minute standing ovation during its screening two days prior. In a video posted on Telegram, Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "It's shocking. We are fighting global anti-Semitic incitement, and when it comes from within us it is intolerable. And now two Israeli directors portraying the military as war criminals receive applause at the Venice festival."

Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks followed a statement from Eyal Zamir asserting that the film constituted a direct attack on the state of Israel. Eyal Zamir stated that the project was not an attempt to offer criticism or establish the truth, but rather based on blood libels and deliberate distortions against soldiers and commanders. Consequently, the military chief instructed the Military Advocate General to examine possible legal measures against the film and those involved.

Culture Minister Miki Zohar stated he asked authorities to investigate how the materials were obtained and whether actions were taken that amount to aiding the enemy during wartime. Miki Zohar also requested that the Interior Ministry consider revoking the citizenship of Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor due to treason.

The film derives its title from an Israeli military term for expected collateral casualties and relies on anonymous interviews with intelligence officers and soldiers. During his acceptance speech in Venice, Yuval Abraham emphasized the importance of Israelis watching the documentary to confront these actions. Meanwhile, Gaza health authorities report that more than 73,700 Palestinians, primarily civilians, have been killed in the ongoing war.