Why is Israel angry over ‘NAZA’, the Gaza documentary that won at Venice?

In southern Israel, a mural painted by a graffiti artist depicts the filmmakers behind the award-winning documentary NAZA. However, this is not a tribute but a form of intimidation, with red targets painted next to the faces of the Israeli directors, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, branded with the word "TRAITORS." As the documentary delves into Israel's widespread killings of civilians in Gaza, using anonymous military sources, it has sparked a political storm and threats against the creators and their families ahead of close elections.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to introduce legislation that could revoke citizenship from those who defame IDF soldiers. Far-right activists, such as Mordechai David, have organized protests outside the homes of Szor's parents, while the Israeli military has denied the film's testimonies. The documentary, which won a special jury prize at the Venice Film Festival, has received a record-breaking 25-minute standing ovation.