‘NAZA’ documentary sparks Israeli political fight over Gaza allegations
The film’s anonymous military sources and a proposed citizenship law have placed its filmmakers at the centre of a growing dispute ahead of crucial elections.
An Israeli documentary about the Gaza war has triggered a political controversy after anonymous military sources featured in the film alleged widespread civilian killings. The filmmakers behind ‘NAZA’ reportedly face violent threats and possible loss of their Israeli citizenship.
Co-directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, the award-winning documentary examines the conduct of the war through accounts from Israeli military sources. The allegations are attributed to those anonymous sources and have not been independently established in the supplied material.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he intended to propose legislation allowing the citizenship of people who “defame IDF soldiers” to be revoked. The supplied material does not establish that the measure has been formally introduced or passed, or whether it would specifically apply to the filmmakers.
The controversy has unfolded about a month before crucial Israeli elections, bringing questions about military conduct, political speech and citizenship into an increasingly charged domestic debate.
The film reportedly received an award and a standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. Its reception abroad has contrasted with the threats and political condemnation reported in Israel, according to France 24 International.
