Israeli minister calls to strip Gaza film directors of citizenship

Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar has called for the citizenship revocation of award-winning directors of an Israeli-made documentary about Gaza, accusing them of treason. The documentary, NAZA, won a special jury prize at the Venice Film Festival. The film features interviews with 24 Israeli military or intelligence whistleblowers who spoke out about AI-powered targeting systems used to bombard Gaza, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians.

Zohar suggested the directors were willing to harm their homeland for applause from antisemites. Other Israeli ministers also criticized the directors, with far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stating that the directors are a disgrace and an embarrassment to the people of Israel. The revocation of Israeli nationality is legally possible, though rarely applied.

In 2022, the Supreme Court confirmed the state's authority to strip citizens of their nationality if they have shown a lack of loyalty, such as committing acts of espionage or treason.