'NAZA' film to be released online, IDF preparing response to accusations

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 27, 2026

The documentary "NAZA," co-directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor and produced by The Guardian, will be released online for free in November following its global theatrical debut. The film has sparked controversy, prompting protests from the Israeli-American Council and a detailed response from the Israel Defense Forces, highlighting ongoing disputes over the portrayal of recent events.

The documentary film "NAZA," co-directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor and produced by The Guardian, is set to be released online for free in November, the filmmakers announced. Abraham cited widespread public interest and the significance of the film's content as drivers behind the decision to make it widely accessible. The documentary, which is scheduled for a global theatrical release in 56 countries on Monday, will also be available to Israeli cinemas to screen at no cost via The Guardian’s website. Its North American premiere was slated for Saturday at the New York Film Festival.

The release of "NAZA" has generated controversy, with the Israeli-American Council (IAC) planning to hold a rally outside New York’s Lincoln Center, where the film will be shown. The IAC aims to present clips from "October 7: Bearing Witness to the Massacre," a compilation documenting the events of October 7, and to challenge the documentary’s assertions. The organization emphasized their intention to preserve a narrative they believe the film overlooks, stating, “Movies have editors. History does not," and pledging to ensure that the events of October 7 remain part of the historical record.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) took steps to scrutinize the documentary after being unable to obtain a copy in advance. An IDF representative reportedly attended a screening in Bologna, Italy, to assess the film firsthand. Following this, the military compiled a comprehensive report addressing the claims made in the documentary. According to an IDF source, the army is not considering any changes to its strike policies in response to the film, maintaining that its actions were carried out with "perfect precision" from the outset.

The unfolding situation underscores the sensitivity of narratives surrounding recent events and the challenges faced by various parties in framing their perspectives. As the documentary enters public circulation, differing reactions highlight ongoing debates over historical interpretation and accountability in the region.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.