Netanyahu calls to strip citizenship of those who 'defame' Israeli army

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to introduce legislation that would revoke citizenship from individuals who criticize Israeli soldiers. This move comes in response to the documentary "Naza," which explores Israel's military targeting practices in Gaza and claims that civilian casualties were considered in decision-making processes.

Directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, "Naza" won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, leading to calls for the filmmakers' citizenship revocation.

Netanyahu pledged to introduce two bills aimed at addressing the "immense damage" caused to soldiers by defamatory content. The first bill would strip citizenship from anyone who defames soldiers, while the second would increase statutory damages for defamation by 20 times. The prime minister cited specific incidents, including "Naza" and remarks from former Deputy Chief of the Israeli Military, Yair Golan, as grounds for the proposed legislation.

Netanyahu also accused the filmmakers of contributing to "global anti-Semitic incitement" and expressed shock at the film's reception at the Venice Film Festival.

The 80-minute documentary "Naza" delves into Israel's target selection process in Gaza, utilizing artificial intelligence and clandestinely recorded interviews with military intelligence officers and soldiers. The film's participants, whose identities are concealed, describe military operations in which civilians were present but were still targeted. Israeli Military Chief Eyal Zamir has ordered a legal investigation to identify the sources featured in the film.