Tel Aviv:Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the security establishment and the attorney-general to identify and prosecute soldiers who participated in the investigative documentary "NAZA," which examines Israel's military actions in Gaza. This decision comes after the documentary highlighted mass killings of civilians and suggested the use of artificial intelligence and surveillance systems in targeted operations.
According to Anadolu Agency, Netanyahu's letter to army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Shin Bet chief David Zini, and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara accused the documentary participants of severe information security offenses and criminal defamation, asserting that the film harms Israel's diplomatic and security interests.
The documentary, which won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, is based on testimonies from 24 Israeli soldiers and intelligence personnel. It investigates the impact of Israel's military strategies, claiming over 74,000 Palestinians were killed and 175,000 injured since October 2023. The film's title, "NAZA," is derived from a military intelligence acronym related to civilian casualties in airstrikes.
Netanyahu argued that the documentary presents a misleading narrative that damages Israel's international reputation. He expressed concerns over potential breaches of highly sensitive intelligence information. Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar has called for the revocation of the filmmakers' citizenship, labeling the work as 'treason.'
Military Advocate General Itai Offir noted that criminal prosecution would depend on evidence of information-security violations or disclosure of classified material but mentioned that disciplinary actions could be pursued if military orders were violated.
The Israeli army has criticized the documentary for its depiction of targeting procedures, citing significant factual inaccuracies. However, The Guardian, the producer of the film, defended the documentary's credibility, stating that it was based on rigorous verification processes and corroborated by multiple confidential sources.
Furthermore, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over allegations of war crimes in Gaza, and the International Court of Justice is reviewing a genocide case against Israel initiated by South Africa.