Threats against Israeli directors of Gaza documentary NAZA escalate amid official backlash

What happened

The Guardian Gaza reports that Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, Israeli directors of the documentary NAZA about civilian deaths in Gaza, are facing increased threats from Israeli ministers and far-right activists following the film’s special jury prize win at the Venice film festival. The film, produced by the Guardian, reveals sensitive details about the Israel Defence Forces’ operations and civilian casualties in Gaza.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Following the award, government figures including Culture Minister Miki Zohar called for revoking the directors’ citizenship and accused them of treason, while National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir denounced them as a disgrace. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the documentary as intolerable and accused it of portraying Israeli soldiers as war criminals. The IDF chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, stated the military would use every available measure to counter what he labeled lies and blood libels in the film, with reports that a military leak investigation involving Israel’s Shin Bet security agency is underway.

Far-right Israeli journalists and activists have intensified threats, organizing protests outside the filmmakers’ homes and calling for their pursuit and intimidation, with explicit intimidation targeting Abraham’s family. A mural with crosshairs and hateful symbols labeling the directors 'traitors' appeared in Ashdod, amplified by far-right social media figures. Video and online posts have called for targeting the filmmakers with 'collateral damage.'

Known from the source

• NAZA is a documentary produced by the Guardian and directed by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor.
• The film won the special jury prize at the Venice film festival and received a 25-minute standing ovation.
• Israeli government officials, including Culture Minister Miki Zohar and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have publicly criticized the directors and called for punitive measures.
• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the film, accusing it of portraying IDF soldiers as war criminals.
• The IDF chief of staff announced plans to counter what the military calls lies in the film, with reports of a leak investigation involving Shin Bet.

What remains unclear

In response, 43 Israeli human rights organizations, including Adalah and B’Tselem, issued a joint statement condemning the incitement and urging authorities to protect the filmmakers and their sources, warning that the hostile official response resembles tactics of dictatorial regimes.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verify the ongoing status and scope of any military investigations or formal legal actions against the filmmakers. Confirm specific threats made by individuals or groups and any official steps taken to address them. Clarify any potential impact on the filmmakers’ citizenship or legal status as publicly claimed by officials.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: The Guardian Gaza. Open the source.