NAZA Documentary Backlash: Why Is Yuval Abraham & Rachel Szor’s Gaza Documentary Facing Criticism In Israel?
British-produced documentary NAZA has become one of the most talked-about films at the 2026 Venice Film Festival . The film received a record-breaking 24.5-minute standing ovation after its premiere and went on to win the Special Jury Prize. However, its reception has been sharply divided, with Israeli political and military officials criticising the documentary and its filmmakers. Prime Minister…
The Israeli documentary NAZA has sparked intense controversy and backlash within the country, particularly among political and military officials. Despite receiving critical acclaim and a standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, NAZA faces fierce criticism for its portrayal of the Israeli military and its use of alleged AI-assisted target selection systems in Gaza.
Directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, the 80-minute film features interviews with 24 unnamed Israeli military and intelligence personnel, who discuss the factors considered in strike decisions and the use of collateral damage in military operations. The title "NAZA" refers to the Israeli military term for anticipated collateral casualties in an airstrike.
Israeli officials, including Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, have vehemently rejected the documentary's claims, calling it a "blood libel" and a "deliberate distortion of reality." The film's directors have defended their work as a means to share insider perspectives with Israeli audiences. In response to the controversy, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to introduce legislation that could potentially revoke the citizenship of individuals who "defame" Israeli soldiers.
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