Israel’s Culture Minister Miki Zohar has threatened to revoke the citizenship of two Israeli filmmakers behind Naja, a documentary criticizing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, after the film won a Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival.
Zohar issued the threat in a post on X on Sunday, September 13, calling the documentary “disgraceful” and describing its award at the Venice Film Festival as “shocking.”
Minister Accuses Filmmakers of Betrayal
Zohar accused filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Sore of harming their own country in pursuit of praise from what he described as “antisemites” around the world.
He also characterized their actions as “betrayal against the state.”
Zohar said that, in his capacity as culture minister, he would take steps to revoke the Israeli citizenship of Abraham and Sore.
Documentary Examines AI Use in Gaza
The 80-minute documentary alleges that artificial intelligence-powered technology has been used during Israel’s military operations against Palestinians in Gaza.
According to the Venice Film Festival’s official description, the film examines the alleged use of AI-based systems in what it portrays as the planned mass killing of Palestinians.
The documentary received a nearly 25-minute standing ovation from the audience at its premiere.
It features interviews with several members of Israel’s military and intelligence agencies, whose identities have been withheld for security reasons.
The interviewees discuss the alleged use of an AI system known as “Lavender.” According to their accounts, the technology was used to monitor Palestinians’ telecommunications in Gaza and assist in decisions to target specific individuals for killing.
Abraham, one of the film’s directors, said he hopes the documentary will encourage Western countries to take steps toward imposing economic sanctions on Israel.
