‘NAZA’: Netanyahu moves to revoke citizenship of Venice-winning documentary’s directors
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is proposing legislation to revoke the citizenship of individuals who defame Israeli soldiers, following the release of a documentary critical of the military. The proposal also seeks to increase financial penalties for defamation.
Why it matters
The move raises significant questions regarding freedom of speech, the legal limits of citizenship, and the government's response to artistic criticism during wartime.
Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to introduce legislation that would allow the Israeli government to revoke the citizenship of people accused of defaming Israeli soldiers, following the backlash over NAZA , the Gaza documentary directed by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor . Netanyahu also proposed a separate bill that would increase statutory damages in defamation cases by 20 times.
The announcement escalates a dispute that began after NAZA won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival on September 12. The film features interviews with 24 Israeli military and intelligence insiders who describe alleged targeting practices and civilian casualties in Gaza. The Israeli military has rejected the documentary’s allegations and questioned the ability to independently verify the anonymous sources.
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