Israeli Film Council Takes Aim At Film Festivals; Proposes New Pro-Army

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Netanyahu seeks to strip citizenship from directors of Gaza film NAZA

   Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is moving to revoke the Israeli citizenship of the directors behind the Gaza documentary NAZA. This action follows intensifying threats against the filmmakers as the documentary gains international traction and prepares for a self-distributed U.S. theatrical release. While the Foreign Ministry has advised diplomats to reduce attacks on the film, the directors face severe domestic backlash, including protests at a family home where demonstrators called for death sentences for traitors. Simultaneously, the Israeli Film Council is targeting film festivals and proposing pro-army initiatives.

   Why it matters

   The NAZA documentary has sparked a domestic conflict over the limits of criticizing the Israeli military's conduct in Gaza. The government's response reflects a broader tension between artistic expression and national security during active conflict.

   What is confirmed

   • Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to revoke the Israeli citizenship of the directors of the documentary NAZA.
   • Protesters have gathered outside the home of a NAZA filmmaker's parents.
   • The documentary NAZA has scheduled a U.S. theatrical release using a self-distribution model.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Israeli Film Council has proposed new pro-army initiatives and is targeting film festivals.
   • The Foreign Ministry told diplomats to dial down attacks on the NAZA film.

   What to watch next

   • Official legal rulings on the citizenship revocation requests
   • The outcome of the NAZA U.S. theatrical release
   • Further policy proposals from the Israeli Film Council regarding festivals
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. economictimes.indiatimes.com — Terror Attack
   2. Deadline — Netanyahu Moves To Get ‘NAZA’ Directors’ Israeli Citizenship Revoked
   3. Reuters — Netanyahu steps up threats against directors of Gaza documentary 'NAZA'
   4. The Christian Science Monitor — For some Israelis, criticizing the military’s conduct in Gaza is beyond the pale
   5. Deadline — Israeli Film Council Takes Aim At Film Festivals; Proposes New Pro-Army
   6. The Times of Israel — Daily Briefing Sept. 17: Foreign Ministry tells diplomats to dial down attacks on ‘NAZA’ film
   7. thefp.com — Hold Your Applause for the New Gaza Documentary
   8. The Jerusalem Post — ‘Death sentence for traitors’: Stormy protest held outside of ‘NAZA’ director’s parents’ home
   9. jpost.com — NAZA, the money trail, and what the film leaves out about October 7 - opinion
   10. The New York Times — Opinion | Israel Is Going to War Against a Documentary
   11. The Guardian — Netanyahu seeks to strip citizenship from Israelis as threats to NAZA film directors intensify
   12. deadline.com — International Insider: ‘Naza’ Saga In Israel; France Makes Oscar Choice; Right Royal Timing
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