Netanyahu orders probe into identities of soldiers featured in documentary NAZA

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has written to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir and Shin Bet head David Zini, urging them to "act urgently to uncover the identity of all those who are involved or appear in the libel film" and to open a criminal investigation for alleged information-security offences, criminal defamation and harm to Israel’s diplomatic and security interests.

The documentary NAZA, directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor and produced by the Guardian, details civilian casualties in Gaza and is being shown in more than 50 countries. After its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where it received a special jury prize, the Israeli government has threatened the filmmakers with citizenship revocation and accused them of treason.

"The film is an attack on the state of Israel and spreads lies and blood libels," said IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

Military Advocate General Itai Ofir noted that criminal prosecution would require evidence of security violations or disclosure of classified material, though disciplinary action could still be pursued.

The European Federation of Journalists’ general secretary, Ricardo Gutiérrez, described the government’s actions as intimidation of journalists. A Guardian spokesperson said the investigation into the filmmakers’ sources aims to distract from questions about mass killings of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

The documentary builds on investigations published by +972 Magazine, Local Call and the Guardian between 2023 and 2025, which involved more than 100 confidential sources familiar with IDF operations.