Venice Jury Awards 'NAZA' for Exposing AI-Driven Gaza Targeting Amid IDF Denials

Key points

• The 80-minute documentary 'NAZA' won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival on September 12, 2026.
• The film is based on interviews with 24 Israeli soldiers and officers who spoke anonymously to protect their identities.
• Interviewees alleged the use of an AI system named 'Lavender' to identify targets via phone surveillance, with some describing the process as 'insanely fun.'
• The IDF Spokesperson's Unit categorically rejected the allegations, stating the testimonies could not be verified and that strike decisions are made by humans, not AI.
• The film received a 24.5-minute standing ovation, described as the longest in the festival's history for a documentary in competition.
• Directors Abraham and Szor, who won an Oscar in 2025 for 'No Other Land,' called on Western governments to pressure Israel to end the conflict.

Background

This follows previous coverage of 'NAZA's' premiere at Venice, where it drew record-breaking applause and was noted for its undercover production in Tel Aviv. The film builds on earlier reporting by +972 Magazine and The Guardian regarding the 'Lavender' AI system. It is the second consecutive year a Gaza-focused film has gained major attention at Venice, following 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' in 2025.

How outlets are covering it

The Jerusalem Post and Deadline highlight the IDF's strong rebuttal, emphasizing that the military claims the film relies on anonymous, unverified sources and that strike approvals are human-driven. Al Jazeera and Deadline focus on the filmmakers' claims that the killing was 'systemic' and 'by design,' noting the emotional impact of the 25-minute ovation. While all sources agree on the award and the ovation length, they differ in emphasis: the Jerusalem Post frames the IDF's legal and procedural defenses, whereas Al Jazeera and Deadline focus on the moral outrage and the specific allegations of AI-assisted mass targeting.

Why it matters

The award brings international attention to allegations of systematic civilian harm in Gaza, challenging official military narratives. The controversy over the use of AI in warfare and the credibility of anonymous military testimonies adds a new dimension to the ongoing debate over the conduct of the Israel-Gaza conflict.

What to watch

The film is scheduled to screen at the San Sebastián and New York Film Festivals, with world sales handled by MK2 Films. No theatrical release date has been announced. The IDF has stated it will investigate any specific violations reported by soldiers, including those interviewed for the documentary.