At the Venice Film Festival, the documentary NAZA received a prolonged standing ovation following its screening, drawing attention for its stark portrayal of Israeli military operations in Gaza. Directed by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, the film presents firsthand accounts from 24 anonymous Israeli military personnel, many from elite units, who describe involvement in strikes that have resulted in significant Palestinian civilian casualties.
The title NAZA references an Israeli military acronym used to denote civilians anticipated to be killed during attacks. Much of the film is delivered in Hebrew and offers a range of testimonies revealing complex emotions, from shame to detached neutrality and even expressions of excitement about participation in military actions targeting Gaza. The documentary situates these narratives amid the broader conflict, during which more than 73,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed.
Following its festival debut, NAZA is scheduled to open in U.S. cinemas on September 30, with international distribution plans forthcoming. While it has garnered acclaim abroad, the film has triggered fierce backlash within Israel. Right-wing politicians and public figures have condemned the directors, accusing them of betraying the country and labeling their work as defamatory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to propose legislation aimed at revoking the citizenship of those who "smear" Israeli soldiers internationally.
Protesters, including far-right groups, have gone further, issuing death threats and demanding punitive actions against the filmmakers. These developments have raised concerns among human rights organizations and press freedom advocates both within Israel and internationally. An editorial in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz highlighted credible threats to the filmmakers’ safety. The heated response comes amid a contentious election campaign, with attitudes toward the Gaza conflict playing a significant role.
Criticism of the film’s public screening is rooted in a broader ethos opposing Israeli self-criticism before foreign audiences. At an election rally, former army officer turned politician Ofer Winter condemned the filmmakers for allegedly defaming Israel, questioning their right to return. Similarly, right-wing journalist Yehuda Schlesinger characterized the Venice applause as "antisemitic" and advocated for the filmmakers to be barred from returning to Israel.
Netanyahu’s announcement on new legislation coincides with other escalations, including a break-in at the offices of publications linked to initial reporting related to the documentary. The far right’s attacks extend beyond the filmmakers to challenge dissenting voices and institutions, such as human rights groups, critical media, and the judiciary, which are portrayed by some as internal adversaries.
The film’s polarizing reception has divided Israeli commentators. Centrist and left-leaning voices have criticized the government’s response. Nahum Barnea of Yedioth Ahronoth called the citizenship revocation proposals “delusional,” while former Jerusalem Post editor Yaakov Katz argued that such measures damage Israel’s image by suggesting an aversion to scrutiny. Haaretz columnist Etan Nechin described the reaction as indicative of a broader democratic crisis, asserting that the country should confront the documentary’s allegations through public discourse and investigation rather than exile of the filmmakers.
NAZA’s release occurs amid growing international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the West Bank, including allegations of genocide and increasing settler violence. The film has become entwined with the country’s political climate ahead of October elections, serving as a touchstone in debates over patriotism, security, and freedom of expression. Political analyst Dahlia Scheindlin noted that the documentary’s impact inside Israel is amplified by the public’s inability to view it firsthand, allowing right-wing factions to shape its narrative in electoral terms.
The documentary also challenges conventions of Israeli media self-censorship during times of conflict, as public discourse sharpens around the ongoing war that followed Hamas’s attack on southern Israel in October 2023. NAZA’s emergence thus highlights deep divisions within Israeli society regarding accountability, dissent, and the future direction of the country amid enduring conflict.