Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Israeli Gaza Documentary NAZA Sparks Political Storm After Venice Win
“NAZA” is a short documentary made by two Israeli filmmakers.
It includes testimony from 24 people who worked in Israel’s military or intelligence services.
They allege that civilian deaths in Gaza were regularly considered during military operations.
The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and received a very long standing ovation.
It later won the festival’s Special Jury Prize.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the filmmakers.
He accused them of encouraging hostility and antisemitism.
Israel’s military chief also ordered an investigation into whether secret information was leaked for the film.
These disagreements have created a political storm in Israel.
Israeli documentary “NAZA” features testimony from 24 military and intelligence insiders about alleged operations in Gaza.
The insiders allege that civilian deaths were routinely factored into Israeli military operations.
Directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, the 25-minute film premiered at the Venice Film Festival.
The film received a reported 24.5-minute standing ovation and later won Venice’s Special Jury Prize.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the filmmakers of incitement and antisemitism, while the military ordered an investigation into possible leaks.
- Who
- Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor made the documentary, which features testimony from 24 military and intelligence insiders; Benjamin Netanyahu and Lt Gen Eyal Zamir responded publicly.
- What
- The documentary “NAZA” alleges that civilian deaths were routinely factored into Israeli military operations in Gaza.
- When
- It premiered on a Thursday at the Venice Film Festival, won the Special Jury Prize on Saturday, and prompted a backlash days later.
- Where
- The film concerns Israeli military operations in Gaza and premiered at the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy.
- Why
- The film triggered controversy because of its allegations about military operations and concerns over possible leaks of confidential information.
Film’s Allegations
Israeli Officials’ Response
Civilian deaths in military operations
Film’s Allegations
The film presents testimony from 24 military and intelligence insiders alleging that civilian deaths were routinely factored into Israeli military operations in Gaza.
Israeli Officials’ Response
The article does not provide a detailed official response to this specific allegation, but Israeli officials have reacted strongly against the film.
Political and legal concerns
Film’s Allegations
The documentary was celebrated at Venice, receiving a 24.5-minute standing ovation and the Special Jury Prize.
Israeli Officials’ Response
Benjamin Netanyahu accused the filmmakers of incitement and antisemitism, while Eyal Zamir ordered an investigation into possible leaks of confidential military information.
- Film
- “NAZA”
- Directors
- Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor
- Length
- 25 minutes
- Testimony
- 24 military and intelligence insiders
- Venice reception
- A reported 24.5-minute standing ovation
- Award
- Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival
- Investigation
- Lt Gen Eyal Zamir ordered an investigation into possible leaks of confidential military information