Israel Minister Calls for Citizenship Revocation of Gaza Documentary Directors

JERUSALEM: Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar has called for the citizenship of Oscar-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor to be revoked, accusing them of treason over their documentary NAZA, which examines Israel’s military operations and alleged use of artificial intelligence in targeting Palestinians in Gaza.

Zohar made the demand after NAZA received the Special Jury Prize at the Venice International Film Festival. The documentary, directed by Abraham and Szor, features testimonies from 24 Israeli military and intelligence insiders concerning systems allegedly used to identify and target Palestinians during the Gaza war.

The minister accused the filmmakers of damaging Israel’s interests and said he would seek to revoke their Israeli citizenship. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also condemned the directors, while other Israeli officials criticized the documentary and its portrayal of the country’s military operations.

NAZA has generated significant international attention since its premiere in Venice, where it received a lengthy standing ovation before winning the Special Jury Prize. The film builds on investigative reporting concerning Israel’s military intelligence systems and alleged targeting practices in Gaza.

The Israeli military has rejected the allegations presented in the documentary, arguing that the anonymous testimonies featured in the film cannot be independently verified.

Abraham and Szor previously won the Academy Award for No Other Land, a documentary examining Palestinian displacement and settler violence in the occupied West Bank. Abraham has said their filmmaking seeks to challenge what he describes as systemic inequalities between Jewish Israelis and Palestinians.

The proposed citizenship revocation has also raised broader questions about freedom of expression and the treatment of Israeli artists and journalists who criticize government and military policies. Under Israeli law, citizenship can be revoked in certain circumstances, including convictions involving terrorism or acts considered to demonstrate disloyalty, but the process requires approval from multiple government and judicial authorities.