Netanyahu Orders Investigation Into Anonymous Sources of Gaza Documentary NAZA

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded criminal investigations to identify and prosecute anonymous sources featured in the documentary "NAZA," which won the Venice Film Festival's Special Jury Prize. In letters to the country's attorney general, military chief of staff, and head of the Shin Bet domestic security agency, Netanyahu called for prosecution of the film's 24 unnamed Israeli military whistleblowers on charges including security information offenses, criminal defamation, and harm to Israel's diplomatic and security interests.

The 80-minute documentary, produced by The Guardian and directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, examines how military targets are selected and approved in Gaza, including through AI-assisted systems, and how expected civilian casualties were calculated before strikes. The film's title refers to Israeli military shorthand for "collateral damage." It received a historic standing ovation at Venice and has been released in cinemas across multiple countries. The Guardian stated that the source verification process was "rigorous" and included leaked classified documents, verification of specific strikes, and corroboration through additional confidential sources.

The Israeli military has rejected the whistleblowers' allegations as "categorically" false, stating that target selection and strike approval are made by human personnel only in accordance with military guidelines. Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has called the film an "attack on the state of Israel" and ordered an investigation into suspected leaks of classified information. The military advocate general noted that criminal prosecution would require evidence of security violations or disclosure of classified material, though disciplinary measures remain possible.

The filmmakers, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, have faced significant government pressure. Netanyahu and Culture Minister Miki Zohar have threatened to revoke their Israeli citizenship, and government supporters have picketed Szor's parents' home. However, 43 Israeli rights groups have defended the filmmakers and denounced the threats. International press freedom organizations have raised concerns about the investigation demand. The European Federation of Journalists called the move "a blatant act of intimidation against journalists," and The Guardian stated the investigation represents an attempt to distract from questions about civilian casualties in Gaza.

The film builds on reporting by +972 Magazine, Local Call, and The Guardian published between 2023 and 2025. A United Nations commission of inquiry concluded in 2025 that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza—a finding Israel rejects. In response to NAZA, the head of Israel's National Public Diplomacy Directorate awarded recognition to creators of a counter-documentary titled "NAZA: The Real Story," which features soldiers refuting the original film's claims.