Netanyahu labels Gaza documentary 'NAZA' as 'shocking incitement'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on September 14 that a newly released documentary about the war in Gaza constitutes “shocking incitement” and part of a broader wave of global anti‑Semitic rhetoric. He made the remarks in a video posted to the messaging platform Telegram.

The film, titled *NAZA*, is directed by Israeli journalists Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor. It is built around anonymous interviews with intelligence officers and soldiers and alleges that mass civilian deaths were routinely incorporated into targeting decisions during the conflict. The title refers to an Israeli military term for expected collateral casualties. *NAZA* was screened at the Venice Film Festival on September 10, where it received a 25‑minute standing ovation, and it was awarded the Special Jury Prize on September 12.

In his statement, Netanyahu described the documentary as intolerable, saying, “We are fighting global anti‑Semitic incitement and when it comes from within us it is intolerable… and now two Israeli directors portraying the IDF as war criminals receive applause at the Venice festival.” He framed the film as an example of internal anti‑Jewish propaganda.

Israel’s military chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, responded that the documentary does not constitute legitimate criticism of the Israel Defense Forces. He characterized the film as “based on blood libels, deliberate distortions of reality, and grave, false accusations against IDF soldiers and commanders,” and said it amounts to an attack on the state of Israel.

The remarks from both the prime minister and the military chief underscore a growing dispute within Israel over the documentary’s portrayal of the Gaza war, with the filmmakers receiving international recognition while Israeli officials denounce the work as defamatory and inciteful.