Netanyahu Proposes Legislation to Revoke Citizenship of 'NAZA' Directors

Key points

• Netanyahu stated he will introduce legislation to revoke citizenship for those who slander IDF soldiers and raise defamation damages by twentyfold.
• The documentary 'NAZA' won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival and received a 25-minute standing ovation.
• The film features anonymous interviews with Israeli military personnel discussing the use of AI to calculate civilian casualties in Gaza.
• Culture Minister Miki Zohar and Army Chief Eyal Zamir have also condemned the film, with Zamir calling it 'blood libels.'
• Legal experts note there is no precedent for revoking citizenship in this context, though it may have a chilling effect on free expression.

Background

The controversy began on September 14, 2026, when Culture Minister Miki Zohar first threatened to strip the directors of their citizenship. The film 'NAZA' is the second major documentary by directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, who previously won an Oscar for 'No Other Land.' The current film was a late addition to the Venice competition lineup and has not yet been screened in Israel.

How outlets are covering it

Outlets highlight different aspects of the response. Deadline focuses on Netanyahu's specific legislative proposals and his framing of the issue as 'global antisemitic incitement.' The New York Times emphasizes the military's involvement, noting that Army Chief Eyal Zamir is examining legal measures against those disseminating 'false allegations.' The Christian Science Monitor provides a broader societal view, noting that while the film has not been seen by most Israelis, it has sparked a national uproar and a debate over free expression versus national security. It also highlights the directors' fear of being unable to return to Israel.

Why it matters

This situation represents a significant escalation in the Israeli government's response to critical journalism and documentary filmmaking. The proposed legislation to revoke citizenship and increase defamation damages could set a dangerous precedent for press freedom and artistic expression, potentially chilling future reporting on the war in Gaza. It also highlights the deep polarization within Israeli society regarding the conduct of the war and the role of the military.

What to watch

Netanyahu is expected to introduce the two bills in the Knesset in the coming weeks. The Israeli military is examining possible legal measures against those suspected of disseminating 'false allegations.' The film is scheduled to screen at the San Sebastián and New York Film Festivals, with a distributor, MK2 Films, yet to announce a release date in Israel.