On the streets of Jerusalem, the credibility of the creators of the documentary film “NAZA,” Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, is a topic of heated discussion rather than consensus.
Revital Hershko expressed strong condemnation, suggesting that the filmmakers should face legal consequences for allegedly betraying the nation, the military, and the global Jewish community. The film received recognition at the Venice International Film Festival, sparking controversy in Israel.
“NAZA” delves into Israeli military strategies employed in Gaza, shedding light on AI technologies that pinpoint targets in civilian areas, resulting in collateral damage among ordinary Palestinians. Despite being Israeli themselves, Abraham and Szor have faced accusations of deceit and betrayal from many quarters.
Dalia Shemtov, a Netanya resident, voiced her skepticism, asserting that the filmmakers’ portrayal is false and damaging to the country’s image. While the film has generated significant buzz, many Israelis have not seen it yet, as it is currently only being shown at festivals.
The documentary is notable for featuring testimonies from 24 Israeli military and intelligence personnel, who anonymously discuss the approval process for attacks. Their perspectives challenge the official narrative put forth by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) regarding civilian casualty avoidance.
The IDF has dismissed the documentary’s claims, citing the use of anonymous sources as a hindrance to verifying the accuracy of the information presented. Lt.-Gen Eyal Zamir has initiated legal actions against the filmmakers in response to the film’s allegations.
Produced by the British newspaper The Guardian, “NAZA” has received staunch support amidst the backlash. Abraham emphasized their duty as Israelis to expose the truth and break the silence surrounding military actions.
Despite calls for freedom of expression, criticism continues to mount, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemning the film as “shocking” and denouncing perceived anti-Semitic sentiments. The tensions surrounding the documentary persist, with divergent views on its accuracy and impact.
Eliya Cohen, a former hostage in Gaza, expressed deep anger over the documentary, echoing broader sentiments of outrage and division within the Israeli populace. As the film gains international exposure, audiences will have the opportunity to form their own judgments when it screens at the New York Film Festival later this month.