Netanyahu Demands Investigation Into Israeli Soldiers Featured in NAZA Documentary

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday evening called on the IDF chief of staff, the head of the Shin Bet security agency, and the attorney general to launch a comprehensive investigation into individuals who participated in the documentary NAZA and pursue criminal charges against them.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, Netanyahu is demanding that those involved be investigated for serious information security offenses, criminal defamation, and actions harmful to Israel's diplomatic and national security interests.

Netanyahu sharply criticized the documentary, accusing it of damaging Israel's reputation and undermining the Israel Defense Forces on the international stage.

"The film presents a false, misleading, and biased narrative that defames the State of Israel and the IDF around the world and seriously damages Israel's standing," Netanyahu stated.

Documentary Features Anonymous Interviews With Israeli Soldiers

The documentary, created by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shor, is based on anonymous interviews with 24 Israeli intelligence officers and soldiers. The interviews were secretly filmed at night on rooftops in Tel Aviv.

The film was screened at the Venice Film Festival, where it received prolonged applause, but it has also sparked considerable public controversy in Israel.

Filmmakers Remain Abroad Following Documentary's Premiere

In a recent interview with Stateside, a podcast produced by the British newspaper The Guardian, the filmmakers revealed that they have not returned to Israel since the documentary's premiere.

Shor addressed demonstrations held outside her parents' home following the film's release.

"My parents are okay. Of course it's frightening. We can't lie and say it isn't. I feel bad that I dragged them into this. When it comes to family, of course it hurts," she said.

Despite the controversy, Shor emphasized that neither filmmaker intends to remain outside Israel permanently. "For now, we're not returning, but we do want to go back. It's our home," she said.