Documentary 'Naza' Sparks Death Threats and Far-Right Protests in Israel

The documentary film “Naza” is sparking controversy in Israel. Right-wing activists have gathered outside the parental home of one of the directors.

Publication Date: September 17, 2026 — 5:59 PM

From Tel Aviv By Serena Bilanceri

The crowd claps and cheers as the star of the event takes the stage. “Mordechai David! Mordechai David!” shout teenagers and adult men, as if at an open-air rock concert. Women lean toward the young man, taking selfies. But David, wearing a black baseball cap and flashing a broad grin, is no pop singer. He is a right-wing activist whom the Israeli security agency Shin Bet has already visited twice to assess whether he poses a danger. David confirmed this to the newspaper Ha’aretz last year. He has several injunctions and a conviction for attempted arson behind him.

On this muggy Wednesday evening, David stands in front of the small villa belonging to Rachel Szor’s parents, located in an affluent community outside Tel Aviv. With him are right-wing influencers, activists, and outraged citizens. Their anger is directed at the documentary film “Naza”, made by Rachel Szor and Yuval Abraham. In the film, two dozen Israeli soldiers and intelligence officers describe how high the tolerance for human collateral damage in Gaza is — in other words, civilian casualties. They also detail how little concern the army shows about how calculated the killing of civilians is in AI-supported warfare. According to estimates, around 73,000 people have died in Gaza, at least half of them children, women, and elderly persons.

At the Venice International Film Festival, the film caused a sensation. Back home in Israel, it has led to death threats. “Death to the traitors!” screams a woman in front of the villa, not far from two elementary school-aged girls. “It’s all lies, we know our army,” says another elegantly dressed woman. “Our military has morals, I know that everything is wrong,” adds a 50-year-old man waving an Israeli flag. “My son serves.”

Accusations Are Not New

This protest was called for on social networks, and approximately 40 to 50 people gathered. Some brought their children, others their poodles and dachshunds. One man drove straight here from the beach, stripped off his swim trunks, and hoisted the Israeli flag. No one here has seen the film, but that is rather secondary. They are shouting against something none of them has watched, yet everyone believes they know what it is about.

The documentary has also caused an uproar among conservative politicians. Culture Minister Miki Zohar announced his intention to revoke the citizenship of the two filmmakers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to initiate corresponding legislation for Israelis who defame the army, calling the documentary “shocking incitement.” The military denies every accusation.

The accusations are not new. The Israeli media outlet +972 Magazine had already reported in 2024 on high civilian casualty numbers and a lack of responsibility due to AI-supported military systems. However, the film has now received much more attention. And Israel is in the middle of an election campaign, as elections are scheduled for October 27.

Activist David steps almost modestly into the center of the circle and takes the loudspeaker, surrounded by influencers filming selfie videos. A cameraman accused of working for left-leaning media is surrounded and chased away. “Our military is the most important thing,” shout the demonstrators.

Strolling inconspicuously through the women and men waving flags of various military units is a neighbor of the family. He himself served in the military, he says, and knows that efforts are being made to do as little harm as possible. But he hasn’t seen the film.

Photo: Right-wing protest on Wednesday evening against the documentary “Naza” in front of the parental home of one of the directors. Credit: Sharon Eilon / imago