Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will introduce legislation to revoke citizenship from people who “defame” the Israeli army and to increase damages for defamation lawsuits. He makes the comments in a video posted on social media, saying the measures would target those he argues have “no place among us.”
The proposal is tied to anger within the Israeli government over the documentary “NAZA,” which includes testimony from anonymized current and former Israeli military and intelligence personnel. The film alleges that the military used AI-assisted systems for targeting and that large numbers of civilians were killed, including an account describing approval to kill up to 500 civilians for one high-value target. Israel’s army rejects the documentary’s allegations.
Middle East Eye reports that Israeli ministers have already called for “NAZA” directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor to lose citizenship. Culture Minister Miki Zohar criticizes the film and says he will seek revocation of their citizenship, describing it as a betrayal of the state and treason, while noting its Venice film festival recognition. The outlets frame Netanyahu’s comments as part of a broader political response to the documentary and its claims.