In November 2023 and April 2024, Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham wrote articles about civilian casualties resulting from Israeli attacks in Gaza following Hamas's actions on October 7, 2023. These articles, published in +972 and Local Call, reported that civilian deaths stemmed from specific Israel Defense Forces (I.D.F.) policies, including a broad definition of legitimate targets and the use of artificial intelligence (A.I.) in targeting decisions. Abraham's work received some attention, including criticism from the Israeli government, but did not provoke widespread public outcry.
Abraham has since adapted his research into a film titled 'NAZA,' co-directed with Rachel Szor, which premiered on September 10 at the Venice Film Festival, winning a Special Jury Prize. It was screened at the New York Film Festival and is set for wider release on October 9. The film has elicited significant backlash, particularly from Israeli officials and journalists who have not viewed it. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed legislation to revoke citizenship for those who defame I.D.F. soldiers, while Culture Minister Miki Zohar has called for an investigation into the filmmakers for potential treason. Protests have occurred outside Szor's family home, demanding severe consequences for the filmmakers.
Critics have accused the film of bias against Israel, claiming it fails to adequately address the October 7 attacks and downplays challenges in combating Hamas's tactics. Some critics of Netanyahu have also expressed concerns about the film's reliance on anonymous sources and lack of additional evidence. In response, Abraham defended the film's editorial rigor and the verification of sources' identities, attributing public shock to the media's focus on the trauma of October 7 while neglecting civilian suffering in Gaza.
'NAZA' transforms Abraham's previous reporting into a focal point of conflict. The film features interviews with 24 anonymous sources, primarily military and intelligence personnel, discussing the use of A.I. in targeting decisions and the implications of collateral damage. The film portrays the operational aspects of warfare in Gaza, emphasizing the emotional and moral dimensions of military actions.
The film includes a montage of Tel Aviv, showcasing the city during wartime and contrasting the modern urban landscape with the realities of conflict. Abraham and Szor draw parallels between 'NAZA' and Claude Lanzmann's 'Shoah,' highlighting the ethical imperative of documentary filmmaking. 'NAZA' aims to shed light on the ongoing events in Gaza and the silence surrounding them in Israeli society.