Netanyahu Demands Criminal Probe into 'NAZA' Documentary Participants
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for an investigation into individuals involved in the documentary "NAZA," alleging it contains falsehoods and harms Israel's interests.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for a criminal investigation into participants of the documentary "NAZA," which he claims contains falsehoods and manipulates information to the detriment of Israel's interests.
In a letter addressed to the IDF chief of staff, the head of the Shin Bet, and Israel's Attorney General, Netanyahu urged an investigation into those involved in the film. He stated that the documentary makes malicious accusations against Israel and the IDF, harms the nation's global standing, and "severely damages Israel's international standing."
The documentary "NAZA," which derives its title from the Hebrew acronym for "collateral damage," features anonymous testimony from 24 Israeli military and intelligence personnel. It alleges that the Israel Defense Forces systematically targeted Palestinian civilians during the conflict with Hamas in Gaza, using intelligence systems and artificial intelligence in ways that contributed to civilian deaths. Interviewees also claim the military deliberately targeted civilians and allowed for a high number of civilian casualties in strikes against terrorist operatives.
Netanyahu's letter, obtained by the Prime Minister's Office, also raised concerns that serving and discharged soldiers from the IDF's Unit 8200 who testified in the film may have committed "serious criminal offenses involving the exposure of classified information, and caused a breach of information security within a highly sensitive intelligence unit."
He requested that the officials identify those who participated in the film and initiate criminal proceedings against them, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
The IDF has contested the film's claims, describing its account of military conduct as "distorted, misleading and disingenuous." The military stated that its directives differentiate between terrorists and civilians, prohibit the deliberate targeting of civilians, and mandate minimizing civilian harm. The IDF also refuted claims that artificial intelligence independently selects targets, asserting that authorized intelligence officers identify potential targets, professionals plan strikes, and operational commanders make the final decision.
Israeli Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar supported Netanyahu's call, congratulating the prime minister for demanding prosecution of the film's creators for "serious information offenses and criminal defamation."
"NAZA" gained international attention after winning the Special Jury Prize at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on September 12.
The IDF specifically denied an allegation in the film that it had planned or executed strikes expecting to kill 500 civilians or a similar number, stating that such an event is contrary to its operational protocols.