Should Israel investigate and prosecute those who took part in the film NAZA?
Netanyahu demanded that Israel's military chief, Shin Bet director and attorney general identify, investigate and prosecute those involved in NAZA, a documentary built on testimony from Unit 8200 soldiers. A press-freedom group had urged an end to legal threats.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
The film
NPR reported (opens in a new tab) that NAZA features the testimony of 24 anonymous Israeli intelligence officers and soldiers who describe a remote targeting system, including the use of artificial intelligence, that they say is responsible for the mass killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Abraham told NPR that NAZA is a military acronym for two Hebrew words that could loosely be translated as collateral damage. Ynetnews reported (opens in a new tab) that the film was produced by Britain's Guardian newspaper and received no funding from Israeli public sources. It won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice International Film Festival in September and opened in the U.S. on September 30. The filmmakers told NPR they would make it free to watch online from November.
Steps toward legal action in September
On September 14, Zamir ordered (opens in a new tab) the Military Advocate General to examine possible legal measures concerning the film and those involved in it. Ynetnews reported that the measures could extend to people interviewed in the film if they are found to have disclosed classified intelligence, and that the IDF would separately examine whether classified material used in the film had been disclosed without authorization. Culture Minister Miki Zohar said he would seek to strip the directors of their citizenship. The next day, the Committee to Protect Journalists (opens in a new tab) called on Israeli authorities to end threats of legal action against Abraham and Szor.
On September 16, Netanyahu wrote on X (opens in a new tab) (translation): "We will revoke the citizenship of anyone who defames IDF soldiers around the world, and hit him deep in the pocket." A spokesman for the prime minister's office told NPR (opens in a new tab) that the government was not trying to silence the filmmakers. On October 8, the Prime Minister's Office said (opens in a new tab) that Tzipi Hotovely, head of the National Public Diplomacy Directorate, had honored the makers of "NAZA: The Real Story", a film it said refutes "the blood libels against IDF soldiers and commanders".
The October 11 letter
The letter (opens in a new tab), on the prime minister's letterhead, is addressed to IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Shin Bet Director David Zini and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. It says the film presents what it calls testimonies of serving and discharged soldiers from Unit 8200 about the IDF's conduct toward civilians, and that the IDF Spokesperson issued a 17-page response. It says there is concern that those involved committed serious criminal offenses by exposing top-secret information and breaching the information security of a highly sensitive intelligence unit. It asks the three officials to act urgently to uncover the identities of all those involved in the film and those who appear in it, to open a criminal investigation and to put those involved on trial, each according to their powers under the law. Netanyahu posted the demand (opens in a new tab) on X the same evening, and the Jerusalem Post reported (opens in a new tab) that his office released the letter.
How the response labels are used
Labels describe responses to the demand that Israeli authorities investigate and prosecute the people who made NAZA or appeared in it, including Netanyahu's October 11 letter and the September steps toward legal action. Supporting investigation or prosecution is labeled Defended or excused, and opposing it is labeled Condemned. Praise or criticism of the film that takes no position on investigating or prosecuting those involved is not treated as a position on it. Labels do not assess whether the film's claims are accurate or whether anyone broke the law.
People in this case
Benjamin NetanyahuDirectly involved
Yuval AbrahamDirectly involved
Rachel SzorDirectly involved
Timeline
5 timeline entries on this page. Dates: September 14, 2026 to October 11, 2026
September 2026
3 events
IDF chief Eyal Zamir orders a review of legal measures over NAZA and an inquiry into classified leaks
Reaction
Zamir instructed the Military Advocate General to examine possible legal measures concerning the film and those involved in it, which Ynetnews reported could extend to people interviewed in the film if they disclosed classified intelligence. He also ordered an examination of whether classified material used in the film had been disclosed without authorization.
[01]'Blood libel': IDF chief orders legal review, classified leak probe over NAZA film
Ynetnews report on the directives Zamir issued after a meeting of senior commanders on Monday, September 14. It quotes his remarks in English and describes the legal review and the information-security examination he ordered.
'Blood libel': IDF chief orders legal review, classified leak probe over NAZA film · Ynet NewsParagraphs 1 and 5 to 9, including Zamir's quoted remarks, and the paragraph on Culture Minister Miki Zohar.[02]CPJ condemns Israeli threats against 'NAZA' filmmakers
Statement on CPJ's own website, published September 15, 2026.
CPJ condemns Israeli threats against 'NAZA' filmmakers · Committee to Protect JournalistsParagraph 1 and paragraph 4, quoting Regional Director Sara Qudah.Netanyahu says Israel will revoke the citizenship of anyone who defames IDF soldiers abroad
Reaction
Netanyahu wrote on X that Israel would revoke the citizenship of anyone who defames IDF soldiers around the world and would hit them financially. NPR reported the proposal as part of the government's response to NAZA.
[03]Benjamin Netanyahu's post on revoking the citizenship of those who defame IDF soldiers (X post)
Post in Hebrew on Netanyahu's own X account. NPR reported his citizenship proposal as part of the government's response to NAZA.
Benjamin Netanyahu's post on revoking the citizenship of those who defame IDF soldiers (X post) · Benjamin NetanyahuFull post, September 16, 2026, 8:02 p.m. Israel time.[04]'NAZA' filmmakers on what they learned making the doc and the backlash it received
NPR Morning Edition interview with Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, broadcast on the day of the film's U.S. release. The closing paragraph includes responses from the Israeli military and a spokesman for the prime minister's office.
'NAZA' filmmakers on what they learned making the doc and the backlash it received · NPRTranscript; introduction, Abraham's first answer and the closing paragraph.NAZA opens in the U.S.
NAZA was released in the U.S. on September 30. Abraham told NPR that Netanyahu's attacks on the film would not deter the filmmakers, and the two directors said they would make it free to watch online from November.
[04]'NAZA' filmmakers on what they learned making the doc and the backlash it received
NPR Morning Edition interview with Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, broadcast on the day of the film's U.S. release. The closing paragraph includes responses from the Israeli military and a spokesman for the prime minister's office.
'NAZA' filmmakers on what they learned making the doc and the backlash it received · NPRTranscript; introduction, Abraham's first answer and the closing paragraph.
October 2026
2 events
Prime Minister's Office says Tzipi Hotovely honored the makers of a film rebutting NAZA
Reaction
The Prime Minister's Office said Tzipi Hotovely, head of the National Public Diplomacy Directorate, presented certificates of recognition to the makers of "NAZA: The Real Story", a film it said refutes "the blood libels against IDF soldiers and commanders".
[05]Prime Minister's Office post on Tzipi Hotovely's recognition of the makers of 'NAZA: The Real Story' (X post)
Post on the English-language account of the Prime Minister's Office.
Prime Minister's Office post on Tzipi Hotovely's recognition of the makers of 'NAZA: The Real Story' (X post) · Prime Minister’s Office of IsraelFull post, October 8, 2026, 7:30 p.m. Israel time.[06]Netanyahu demands prosecution of 'NAZA' film participants over 'severe' security offenses
Jerusalem Post report on the letter. It reports that the Prime Minister's Office released the letter, quotes its opening in English and describes the government's recognition of a film made to rebut NAZA.
Netanyahu demands prosecution of 'NAZA' film participants over 'severe' security offenses · The Jerusalem PostParagraphs 1 to 3 on the letter; paragraphs 4 to 8 on the film NAZA: The Real Story.Netanyahu demands that the IDF, Shin Bet and attorney general investigate and prosecute the participants in NAZA
Source release
In a letter dated October 11 to Zamir, Shin Bet Director David Zini and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, Netanyahu asked them to act urgently to uncover the identities of all those involved in the film and those who appear in it, open a criminal investigation for information-security offenses, criminal defamation and harm to the state's diplomatic and security interests, and put those involved on trial.
[07]Netanyahu's October 11 letter demanding an investigation of the participants in NAZA, as posted by i24NEWS (X post)
i24NEWS English posted an image of the full letter, which is in Hebrew. It is addressed to IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Shin Bet Director David Zini and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, and says the IDF Spokesperson's 17-page response to the film is attached.
Netanyahu's October 11 letter demanding an investigation of the participants in NAZA, as posted by i24NEWS (X post) · i24NEWSImage of the signed letter on the prime minister's letterhead, dated October 11, 2026; paragraphs 1 to 6.[08]Benjamin Netanyahu's post demanding an investigation of the participants in NAZA (X post)
Post in Hebrew on Netanyahu's own X account, published shortly after his office released his letter to the IDF chief of staff, the Shin Bet director and the attorney general.
Benjamin Netanyahu's post demanding an investigation of the participants in NAZA (X post) · Benjamin NetanyahuFull post, October 11, 2026, 8:31 p.m. Israel time; paragraph 1.[06]Netanyahu demands prosecution of 'NAZA' film participants over 'severe' security offenses
Jerusalem Post report on the letter. It reports that the Prime Minister's Office released the letter, quotes its opening in English and describes the government's recognition of a film made to rebut NAZA.
Netanyahu demands prosecution of 'NAZA' film participants over 'severe' security offenses · The Jerusalem PostParagraphs 1 to 3 on the letter; paragraphs 4 to 8 on the film NAZA: The Real Story.[09]Haaretz's post on Netanyahu's order to identify the soldiers interviewed in NAZA (X post)
Haaretz's post summarizing its report by Jonathan Lis. It quotes paragraph 4 of the letter in English.
Haaretz's post on Netanyahu's order to identify the soldiers interviewed in NAZA (X post) · HaaretzFull post, October 11, 2026, 10:25 p.m. Israel time.
Response record
Responses
Latest recorded positions: 4. Dates: September 14, 2026 to October 11, 2026
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
1 response on this page
Benjamin NetanyahuPrime Minister of Israel, in a post on his X accountDirectly involved"I demand that the Chief of Staff, the head of the Shin Bet and the Attorney General open a comprehensive investigation against the participants in the film "NAZA" and put them on trial for serious information-security offenses, criminal defamation and harm to Israel's diplomatic and security interests. (Translated from Hebrew. Original: אני דורש מהרמטכ״ל, מראש השב״כ ומהיועמ״שית לפתוח בחקירה מקיפה כנגד המשתתפים בסרט ״נז״א״ ולהעמיד אותם לדין בגין עבירות ביטחון מידע חמורות, הוצאת דיבה פלילית ופגיעה באינטרסים מדיניים וביטחוניים של ישראל.)"
Defended or excusedCase context: Should Israel investigate and prosecute those who took part in the film NAZA?
Read more
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was demanding that the IDF chief of staff, the Shin Bet director and the attorney general open a comprehensive investigation against the people who took part in NAZA and prosecute them for information-security offenses, criminal defamation and harm to Israel's diplomatic and security interests.
Before the statement
Netanyahu posted shortly after his office released a letter, dated October 11, to IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Shin Bet Director David Zini and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. The letter asks them to act urgently to uncover the identities of all those involved in the film and those who appear in it, and says there is concern that they exposed top-secret information from a highly sensitive intelligence unit.
After the statement
The post goes on to call the film a false, misleading and biased narrative that defames the State of Israel and the IDF around the world and severely damages Israel's standing, and ends by saying the government will always stand with its soldiers.
Benjamin Netanyahu's post demanding an investigation of the participants in NAZA (X post) · Benjamin NetanyahuFull post, October 11, 2026, 8:31 p.m. Israel time; paragraph 1.Netanyahu's October 11 letter demanding an investigation of the participants in NAZA, as posted by i24NEWS (X post) · i24NEWSImage of the signed letter on the prime minister's letterhead, dated October 11, 2026; paragraphs 1 to 6.Netanyahu demands prosecution of 'NAZA' film participants over 'severe' security offenses · The Jerusalem PostParagraphs 1 to 3 on the letter; paragraphs 4 to 8 on the film NAZA: The Real Story.Why this label?
The case asks whether Israel should investigate and prosecute the people who made NAZA or appeared in it, as Netanyahu demanded on October 11. Netanyahu demands that the three officials investigate the film's participants and put them on trial. That supports both investigation and prosecution, so we labeled it Defended or excused. The closest competing label is Challenged characterization, since he also calls the film false; it loses because he goes beyond disputing the film's account and demands criminal proceedings.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(10)
Original post
Benjamin Netanyahu's post demanding an investigation of the participants in NAZA (X post)
About this source
Post in Hebrew on Netanyahu's own X account, published shortly after his office released his letter to the IDF chief of staff, the Shin Bet director and the attorney general.
- Author
- Benjamin Netanyahu
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Prime Minister's Office post on Tzipi Hotovely's recognition of the makers of 'NAZA: The Real Story' (X post)
About this source
Post on the English-language account of the Prime Minister's Office.
- Author
- Prime Minister of Israel
- Published
- Accessed
Interview
'NAZA' filmmakers on what they learned making the doc and the backlash it received
Relevant passage: Transcript; introduction, Abraham's first answer and the closing paragraph.
About this source
NPR Morning Edition interview with Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, broadcast on the day of the film's U.S. release. The closing paragraph includes responses from the Israeli military and a spokesman for the prime minister's office.
- Author
- Leila Fadel
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Benjamin Netanyahu's post on revoking the citizenship of those who defame IDF soldiers (X post)
About this source
Post in Hebrew on Netanyahu's own X account. NPR reported his citizenship proposal as part of the government's response to NAZA.
- Author
- Benjamin Netanyahu
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Ofer Cassif's post replying to Netanyahu's demand on NAZA (X post)
About this source
Post in Hebrew on Cassif's own X account. It attaches a screenshot of Netanyahu's post demanding the investigation.
- Author
- Ofer Cassif
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
CPJ condemns Israeli threats against 'NAZA' filmmakers
Relevant passage: Paragraph 1 and paragraph 4, quoting Regional Director Sara Qudah.
About this source
Statement on CPJ's own website, published September 15, 2026.
- Author
- Committee to Protect Journalists
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
'Blood libel': IDF chief orders legal review, classified leak probe over NAZA film
Relevant passage: Paragraphs 1 and 5 to 9, including Zamir's quoted remarks, and the paragraph on Culture Minister Miki Zohar.
About this source
Ynetnews report on the directives Zamir issued after a meeting of senior commanders on Monday, September 14. It quotes his remarks in English and describes the legal review and the information-security examination he ordered.
- Author
- Elisha Ben Kimon
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Netanyahu demands prosecution of 'NAZA' film participants over 'severe' security offenses
Relevant passage: Paragraphs 1 to 3 on the letter; paragraphs 4 to 8 on the film NAZA: The Real Story.
About this source
Jerusalem Post report on the letter. It reports that the Prime Minister's Office released the letter, quotes its opening in English and describes the government's recognition of a film made to rebut NAZA.
- Author
- Sarah Moskowitz
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Haaretz's post on Netanyahu's order to identify the soldiers interviewed in NAZA (X post)
About this source
Haaretz's post summarizing its report by Jonathan Lis. It quotes paragraph 4 of the letter in English.
- Author
- Haaretz (Jonathan Lis)
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Netanyahu's October 11 letter demanding an investigation of the participants in NAZA, as posted by i24NEWS (X post)
About this source
i24NEWS English posted an image of the full letter, which is in Hebrew. It is addressed to IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Shin Bet Director David Zini and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, and says the IDF Spokesperson's 17-page response to the film is attached.
- Author
- Benjamin Netanyahu
- Published
- Accessed
Cite this record
- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Should Israel investigate and prosecute those who took part in the film NAZA?
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/cases/naza-documentary-investigation-prosecution
The Dispute Index. "Should Israel investigate and prosecute those who took part in the film NAZA?". First published: 2026-10-11. Last updated: 2026-10-11. https://disputeindex.com/cases/naza-documentary-investigation-prosecution