IDF Pushes Back on ‘NAZA’ Film: ‘Anonymous Testimony and Baseless Claims’

The IDF’s English-language spokesperson issued a sharp response overnight, between Sunday and Monday, to the film "NAZA," which won the special jury prize at the Venice Film Festival and presents anonymous testimony attributed to soldiers and officers, including from Unit 8200, regarding IDF activity in the Gaza Strip.

The military questioned the reliability of the testimony and the identities of those interviewed: "According to reports, the film is based on anonymous testimony from individuals whose identities cannot be verified, including whether they served in the IDF, in what role, or whether they were involved in the matters to which the allegations relate." It was also argued that some of the statements concern military and national strategy beyond the knowledge of junior soldiers, and that intelligence personnel who allegedly gave interviews were not involved in some of the incidents by virtue of their roles.

The IDF emphasized that its operations are directed against terrorist organizations, led by Hamas, in accordance with international law and the laws of war, and that efforts are made to minimize harm to civilians. Regarding allegations involving artificial intelligence, it stated: "Decisions regarding target selection and the approval of strikes in the IDF are made solely by human officials, in accordance with military procedures, and not by artificial intelligence." It was further emphasized that suspicions of legal violations are investigated through independent enforcement mechanisms and that soldiers are required to report violations.

Meanwhile, the IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir is expected to hold a discussion today on how to respond to the allegations raised in the film.

The film is based on the testimony of 24 soldiers and officers, whose identities are concealed and whose voices have been altered. It also addresses the October 7 massacre, protests against what its creators define as genocide, and comparisons to the Holocaust and processes of dehumanization.

Film director Yuval Abraham attacked his critics in his acceptance speech: "Denial of a crime is what allows it to continue." He also criticized Italy, Germany, and the United States for their support of Israel. The premiere screening ended with approximately 24 minutes of applause and the raising of Palestinian flags.

Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar called the win "shocking," accused the creators of "betrayal of the state," and announced that he would work to revoke their Israeli citizenship.