Israeli Documentary NAZA Sparks Political Backlash After Venice Win

The documentary "NAZA," which alleges that the Israeli military systematically targeted civilians in Gaza using artificial intelligence, has sparked intense political controversy after winning the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. Directed by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, the film received a nearly 25-minute standing ovation at its premiere, but has since drawn sharp criticism from Israeli officials and raised questions about its credibility. Based on testimony from 24 anonymous Israeli soldiers and intelligence agents, "NAZA" claims that the military approved strikes with "collateral damage" limits, sometimes allowing hundreds of civilian deaths per attack. The film's title refers to a Hebrew military acronym for acceptable civilian casualties, known as "Nezek Agavi." In response, Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar announced he would act to revoke the citizenship of Abraham and Szor, calling the film "vile" and a "betrayal of the state." Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also condemned the documentary, describing it as a "cowardly blood libel" that portrays soldiers as perpetrators of genocide.