Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for an investigation and prosecution of the directors and other participants in "Naza," a documentary featuring testimonies about attacks in the Gaza Strip.
According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, the request was conveyed on Sunday evening to the chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, the head of the Shin Bet and the government’s legal adviser. Netanyahu called for a comprehensive review of all participants featured in the film.
Documentary features testimonies about attacks on Gaza
The film, made by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, includes testimonies alleging that the Israeli military used artificial intelligence techniques in attacks on the Gaza Strip and that these practices led to the deaths of Palestinian civilians.
The documentary draws on testimonies from 24 people who identified themselves as Israeli intelligence personnel. "Naza" won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival last September.
Netanyahu’s office alleged that the production involved "serious breaches" of information security, acts amounting to criminal defamation and damage to Israel’s political and security interests. The statement called for legal proceedings to be initiated against those featured in the film.
Israeli military rejects allegations in film
The Israeli military had previously rejected the allegations in the documentary. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir instructed officials to initiate legal action against those featured in the film and investigate suspicions that classified military information had been used in the production.
Netanyahu’s statement provided no details about what information the film contains or the specific acts for which the participants are accused. No decision has been announced indicating that the authorities have opened an investigation or filed formal charges against those featured in the documentary.
43 organizations support directors
Forty-three organizations working on human rights, equality and peace in Israel expressed support for the film’s producers. The organizations said the threats directed at the directors resembled practices used by dictatorships.
