Israel's Culture Minister Demands Revocation of Oscar-Winning
Israel's Culture Minister Miki Zohar calls for the citizenship of 'NAZA' directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor to be revoked, accusing them of 'betrayal' over their Gaza documentary.
Israeli Minister Targets Filmmakers Over Gaza Documentary
Israel's Culture Minister Miki Zohar has called for the citizenship of Oscar-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor to be revoked following their documentary 'NAZA,' which critiques the Israeli military's actions in Gaza. The film won the Special Jury Prize at the 2026 Venice Film Festival, sparking immediate backlash from Israeli officials.
'NAZA' Accused of Betrayal
Zohar labeled the documentary 'vile' and described its Venice win as 'shocking.' In a translated statement posted on X, he accused the filmmakers of 'self-loathing' and 'betrayal of the state,' alleging they sought 'applause from antisemites around the world.' The minister vowed to act 'immediately' to strip them of their Israeli citizenship.
Film Alleges Military Policy on Civilian Casualties
'NAZA' examines the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) alleged use of the term 'NAZA'-a Hebrew acronym for collateral damage-to justify civilian casualties in Gaza. According to the film, military personnel admitted that acceptable collateral damage figures could range from under a dozen to as many as 500 people per operation. The documentary includes interviews with IDF members and Palestinian civilians.
Political Backlash Escalates
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also condemned the film, calling it a 'cowardly blood libel' against Israeli soldiers. Zohar has previously criticized filmmakers who use government funding to critique Israel, pledging in July to redirect support to 'films that Israelis love.'
Venice Reception and Standing Ovation
'NAZA' premiered at the Venice Film Festival to a record 25-minute standing ovation before winning the Special Jury Prize. The late addition to the competition lineup has drawn international attention, with debates over its portrayal of IDF policies.
Legal and Ethical Implications
Zohar's demand raises questions about the limits of free expression in Israel. Legal experts note that revoking citizenship over artistic work would set a precedent, though the feasibility of such action remains uncertain. The filmmakers have not yet publicly responded to the minister's statement.
What Comes Next
The controversy highlights tensions between artistic freedom and national loyalty in Israel's cultural sector. Industry watchers will monitor whether Zohar's threat materializes into legal action and how the global film community responds to the political backlash against 'NAZA.'
