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Bennett Condemns Gaza Documentary After Venice Festival Premiere
NAZA is a documentary film about Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
It was made by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor.
The film received a very long ovation after it premiered in Venice.
It uses interviews with 24 Israeli intelligence officers and soldiers.
The filmmakers say the movie examines how targets were chosen and attacked.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett strongly criticized the film.
He said it unfairly accused Israeli soldiers and the country of genocide.
A United Nations commission made that genocide finding in 2025, while Israel rejects the accusation.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called NAZA’s portrayal of Israel a “blood libel” against Israeli soldiers.
The documentary by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor received a reported 25-minute ovation at the Venice Film Festival.
NAZA is based on interviews with 24 Israeli intelligence officers and soldiers about military targeting practices in Gaza.
The film examines artificial intelligence, phone surveillance and points-based systems allegedly used to select targets.
A United Nations commission concluded in 2025 that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, an accusation Israel denies.
- Who
- Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett criticized filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor’s documentary NAZA.
- What
- Bennett condemned the film’s accusations against Israel, while the documentary examines Israeli military targeting practices in Gaza.
- Where
- The film premiered in the Sala Grande at the Venice Film Festival.
- When
- NAZA premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 10, 2026, according to the article; Bennett posted his criticism the following day.
- Why
- Bennett said the film falsely portrayed Israeli soldiers as perpetrators of genocide; the filmmakers presented it as an examination of military operations and targeting systems in Gaza.
Documentary’s Accusations
Bennett’s Rebuttal
Characterization of Israel’s conduct
Documentary’s Accusations
The film presents Israeli military actions in Gaza as involving systems that select and attack targets even when children and other family members may be killed.
Bennett’s Rebuttal
Bennett said portraying Israeli soldiers as perpetrators of genocide was a false and cowardly “blood libel.”
Evidence and responsibility
Documentary’s Accusations
The documentary draws on interviews with 24 Israeli intelligence officers and soldiers and examines artificial intelligence, phone surveillance and points-based targeting systems.
Bennett’s Rebuttal
Bennett emphasized crimes he said Hamas committed on October 7 and expressed pride and gratitude toward Israeli soldiers and reservists.
Genocide finding
Documentary’s Accusations
The United Nations’ Independent International Commission of Inquiry concluded in September 2025 that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and cited statements by Israeli leaders as evidence of intent.
Bennett’s Rebuttal
Israel denies the United Nations commission’s accusation, while Bennett rejected the film’s portrayal of Israel.
Key facts
- Film
- NAZA
- Filmmakers
- Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor
- Festival premiere
- Venice Film Festival
- Reported ovation
- 25 minutes
- Interview subjects
- 24 Israeli intelligence officers and soldiers
- United Nations finding
- A UN commission said in September 2025 that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza; Israel denies the accusation.
- Bennett’s office
- Naftali Bennett served as Israeli prime minister from June 2021 to 2022.
Quotes
Naftali Bennett
Former Israeli prime minister and current Israeli political candidate
“To portray them as perpetrators of “genocide” is not courageous art. It is a cowardly blood libel. And I will not remain silent.”
deadline.com
“Yesterday, a film accusing Israel of genocide premiered.”
deadline.com
Sources
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