Dozens of far-right activists held a demonstration outside the home of Rachel Tzur’s parents in the Israeli city of Savyon on Wednesday evening. Tzur is the director of the film ‘Naza.’
Protesters chanted “death penalty for traitors.” The demonstrators accused Tzur and co-director Yuval Abraham of portraying Israeli soldiers to the world as “murderers.”
Protesters linked to Ben-Gvir’s party
Activists and campaign workers linked to the Jewish Power Party, led by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, made up a significant share of the organizers and participants.
Some messages circulated on social media before the protest contained direct calls for violence.
‘Naza’ also on the government’s agenda
The protest took place shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he would advance two bills targeting people he accused of defaming Israeli soldiers. Netanyahu’s remarks also appeared to refer to the documentary ‘Naza.’
Israeli military official Eyal Zamir asked the military prosecutor on Monday to examine possible legal action against the filmmakers. Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar asked Shin Bet chief David Zini on Wednesday to launch an urgent investigation into the documentary.
Film receives award in Venice
‘Naza,’ directed by Oscar-winning Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Tzur, received the Special Jury Prize at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on Saturday.
The documentary features testimonies from Israeli soldiers and officers who served in Gaza. The testimonies describe acts including the burning of residential areas used as shelters and the killing of people during food distribution.
According to the filmmakers, “Naza” is an abbreviation used by Israeli military intelligence to refer to the expected number of civilians killed in an airstrike.
