The Israeli newspaper, 'Maariv', has reported on a new film titled 'Nez'a' (נז"א), which has prompted Israeli Army Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, to consider measures against it. The film contains testimonies from 24 soldiers of Intelligence Unit 8200 discussing military operations during the Gaza conflict.
According to the report, some participants in the film describe involvement in what they term 'war crimes and genocide', discussing 'collateral damage', bombings, and assassinations. The filmmakers argue that these accounts reveal a deliberate policy of destruction, leveraging artificial intelligence technologies.
A meeting led by Zamir with senior military officials resulted in the decision to form a multidisciplinary team to counter what the army claims are 'false allegations'. This team will include experts from both Israel and abroad. The military advocate general has been tasked with exploring legal actions against the film and its participants.
Furthermore, the army has begun investigating whether any intelligence or classified materials were leaked during the making of the film, with particular focus on Unit 8200. 'Maariv' notes that actions may be taken if it is found that participants are still in active service or reserves and have disclosed prohibited information.
Zamir criticized the film heavily, branding it as not a critique of the military but as a 'deliberate distortion of reality'. He views it as an attack against Israel itself rather than just the army, aimed at delegitimizing Israeli military actions.
The army maintains it operates according to international law and strives to minimize civilian harm, emphasizing the need for extensive media and diplomatic outreach, in collaboration with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice, and other relevant agencies.
In a message to soldiers and commanders, Zamir admitted he has not watched the film nor knows all its contributors but assured that the army would investigate any criticism based on facts while rejecting what he called 'groundless slander'.
In response to the film, Israeli army spokesperson Evi Drayz requested directors Yuval Abraham and Rahel Shor allow the military to view the entire project, arguing that some promotional content was 'inaccurate and distorted'.
The film, a production by 'The Guardian', gained significant attention after winning a Critics' Award at the Venice Film Festival. Shot partially on rooftops in Tel Aviv during the conflict, it includes accounts of military decision-making, bombings, and targeting operations in Gaza.
Israel has reacted with significant indignation, with Culture Minister Miki Zohar accusing the filmmakers of 'treason' and threatening to revoke their citizenship. Meanwhile, Abraham claims the film faces criticism from Israeli politicians and journalists 'without having been seen'.
Abraham and Shor are also known for their documentary 'No Other Land', which won the Oscar for Best Documentary in 2025, exploring the lives of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta, South Hebron.