Zohar accused the filmmakers of treason and described the work as a betrayal of the state, stating on social media that he would act immediately to revoke their nationality.
The Controversy Surrounding the Documentary “NAZA”
According to Agence France-Presse, the 80-minute documentary won a special jury prize at the Venice Film Festival after receiving a 25-minute standing ovation, which set a festival record. The film features interviews with 24 anonymous Israeli military and intelligence whistleblowers who outline AI-powered targeting systems used in Gaza. One source in the documentary claims approval was given to kill 500 NAZA in order to kill one Hamas member, a figure cited by Agence France-Presse and TheWrap.
Government Reactions and Legal Framework for Citizenship Revocation
In addition to Miki Zohar’s declaration, other Israeli officials condemned the directors. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted on X that the filmmakers were a disgrace and an embarrassment to the country. Under Israeli law, revocation of nationality is legally possible but rarely applied. According to Agence France-Presse, the Supreme Court confirmed in 2022 that the state can strip citizenship for a failure of loyalty, such as acts of espionage or treason, and the law was expanded in 2023 to cover terrorism convictions. The legal process requires the interior minister to submit a revocation request, the justice minister to approve it, and judges to validate it.
Director Response and Military Rebuttal
Director Yuval Abraham defended the project, noting the safety risks involved for creators working within a system that privileges Jewish-Israeli supremacy. Abraham previously co-directed the 2024 film “No Other Land” with Palestinian filmmakers Basel Adra and Hamdan Ballal, which focused on settler violence in the occupied West Bank and won an Oscar in 2025. Following that project, Abraham’s family home was targeted by a rightwing mob. In response to “NAZA,” the Israeli military stated that it categorically rejects the documentary’s allegations and criticized the use of anonymous testimonies whose identities cannot be verified.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the documentary “NAZA” about?
“NAZA” is an 80-minute documentary produced by the Guardian that explores AI-powered targeting systems used during the bombardment of Gaza, featuring interviews with 24 Israeli military and intelligence whistleblowers.
Who directed “NAZA”?
The film was directed by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor.
Can Israeli citizenship be legally revoked?
Yes, Israeli law allows for the revocation of citizenship in cases of treason, espionage, or terrorism, though the process requires approval from the interior minister, the justice minister, and judicial validation.
How has the Israeli military response to the film?
The Israeli military stated that it categorically rejects the claims made in the documentary and criticized the reliance on unverified anonymous testimonies.
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