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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he plans to introduce two government bills targeting people he accuses of defaming Israeli soldiers following the release of "NAZA," an award-winning documentary examining alleged killings of Palestinian civilians during Israel's military campaign in Gaza.
In a video statement on Sept. 16, 2026, Netanyahu said one proposed law would allow citizenship to be revoked from people who, in his words, "defame Israeli army soldiers," while the second would increase by 20-fold the amount of compensation that could be sought against them in defamation cases.
"We will hit them in their pockets and also in their citizenship, because their place is not among us," Netanyahu said.
The announcement followed the screening of "NAZA" at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, where the documentary won the Special Jury Prize on Saturday. The film was directed by Oscar-winning Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor.
The title "NAZA" refers to an abbreviation used by Aman, Israel's military intelligence agency, for the number of civilians expected to be killed in an airstrike.
Filmed secretly on rooftops in Tel Aviv over three years, the documentary digitally alters the identities, voices and appearances of participants.
Israeli military personnel featured in the film describe incidents they said they witnessed during operations in Gaza, including residential areas used as shelters being set on fire and people being killed during food distribution.
The controversy has also drawn a response from senior Israeli officials. Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir on Monday ordered the military prosecutor to examine possible legal action against those behind the documentary, while maintaining that the military operates in accordance with international law.
Israeli Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar also contacted Shin Bet chief David Zini on Wednesday to seek an urgent investigation into the documentary, according to public broadcaster KAN.
Israel's military campaign in Gaza since October 2023 has killed more than 73,000 Palestinians and injured more than 174,000, according to Palestinian authorities.
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