Israeli Officials Condemn Gaza Documentary After Venice Prize

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned a new documentary film on the military's conduct in Gaza as "shocking" and part of a wave of global antisemitic incitement. The film, titled "NAZA," won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday, September 12, after receiving a 25-minute standing ovation at its premiere two days earlier. Directed by Israeli journalists Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, the documentary is built around anonymous interviews with 24 Israeli military and intelligence personnel. The film alleges that mass civilian deaths were routinely factored into targeting decisions during the war in Gaza. The title "NAZA" comes from an Israeli military term referring to the number of civilians expected to be killed in an air strike. In response, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir ordered a legal probe to examine possible measures against the film and those involved, including its sources. Zamir stated the film was based on "blood libels, deliberate distortions of reality, and grave, false accusations against Israeli soldiers and commanders.