‘Despicable creators’: Israeli ministers attack directors of Gaza film Naza after Venice win

Two Israeli ministers have harshly criticized the directors of Naza, an Oscar-winning documentary about Israel's military operations in Gaza. Culture Minister Miki Zohar called for the filmmakers, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, to have their Israeli citizenship revoked, claiming they were "betraying the state". National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also condemned the pair, calling them a "disgrace and an embarrassment" and urging them to leave the country.

The film, which won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice International Film Festival, examines Israel's targeting of civilians in Gaza, including the use of artificial intelligence in decision-making. The filmmakers drew on clandestine interviews with Israeli military intelligence officers and soldiers, who described operations in which strikes were carried out despite awareness of civilian presence.

The Israeli military has rejected the film's allegations and questioned the reliance on anonymous testimony. Despite the controversy, the film received a standing ovation at its Venice premiere and was praised by filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, who called it "necessary and very important" in a time of denial.