Netanyahu Orders Criminal Probe, Identification of "NAZA" Film Interviewees

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for a criminal investigation into anonymous sources depicted as Israeli soldiers in the documentary "NAZA."

Netanyahu ordered IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Shin Bet head David Zini, and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to act urgently to uncover the identity of all those who are involved or appear in the film. He demanded prosecution for serious information security offenses, criminal defamation, and harming Israel’s diplomatic and security interests. Netanyahu's office stated those involved may have committed criminal offenses, including leaking classified information and breaching security at a highly sensitive intelligence unit.

The 80-minute film, "NAZA," is based on accounts from anonymous Israeli military and intelligence insiders. The documentary alleges the IDF heavily relied on AI systems to identify people and homes for attack on a massive scale, often disregarding collateral civilian casualties. Insiders in the film described the process as insanely fun and akin to a video game.

The film claims an AI system called Lavender identified assassination targets using data from thousands of hacked phones, with phrases like daddy's home potentially triggering attacks. "NAZA" was directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor and won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, receiving a 25-minute standing ovation. The film's name alludes to an Israeli military shorthand for expected collateral casualties.

The Israeli government has fiercely attacked Abraham and Szor, threatening to strip them of their citizenship and accusing them of treason. The IDF rejected the allegations, stating the whistleblowers' identities cannot be verified and casting doubt on whether they served in the military. Netanyahu's letter claims the film spreads false, misleading and programmatic libel against Israel and its army, causing severe harm to Israel’s global standing.

Palestinian political analyst Muhammad Shehada argued Netanyahu's actions accidentally confirm "NAZA's exposé," noting officials previously dismissed it as a hoax. Netanyahu has made "NAZA" a prominent target in his re-election campaign ahead of the October 27 elections.