IDF Chief weighs legal action over 'NAZA' film, orders classified-materials probe

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has ordered a series of measures in response to the film “Naza,” including an examination of possible legal action, an information-security investigation and a coordinated international public-diplomacy campaign.

Zamir issued the directives following a consultation with senior military officials, including Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai, Military Advocate General Maj. Gen. Itai Ofir, Israeli Air Force commander Maj. Gen. Omer Tishler, the commander of Unit 8200 and IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin.

According to the IDF, Zamir described the film as “a deliberate attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the IDF and the State of Israel.”

“Based on what has been published thus far, this is not a film offering criticism of the IDF, nor is it an attempt to establish the truth,” Zamir said. “It is based on blood libels, deliberate distortions of reality, and grave, false accusations against IDF soldiers and commanders.”

Zamir said the film adopted the narratives of Israel’s enemies and sought to portray the military as deliberately acting unlawfully.

“This is a dangerous attempt to deny us the legitimacy to defend ourselves against the worst of our enemies—and, in doing so, to place IDF soldiers and commanders at genuine risk,” he said.

“We will not allow IDF soldiers to be made targets through lies and blood libels,” Zamir added. “Such an attempt must be confronted decisively, using every tool at our disposal—legal, command and public diplomacy.”

Following the consultation, Zamir instructed the Military Advocate General to examine and advance possible legal measures concerning both the film and those involved in its production. The review will consider the alleged dissemination of false claims against IDF personnel and any potential consequences for their safety and Israel’s national security.

The military will also investigate whether classified material was disclosed without authorization and whether such information was used in producing the documentary.

Zamir further ordered the creation of a multidisciplinary team led by the head of the IDF Planning Directorate. The team will work with experts in Israel and abroad to develop ways to address what the military describes as false allegations against its soldiers.

The chief of staff also called for a broad national and international public-diplomacy campaign involving the Foreign Ministry, Justice Ministry, National Public Diplomacy Directorate and other government bodies.

The directives followed a public statement by Defrin rejecting allegations raised in promotional material for “Naza.” He said the film presented a false and distorted account of the Israeli military and its personnel.

“The film ‘Naza’ has not yet been released in full,” Defrin said. “However, judging by what can be seen in the trailer, it presents a series of serious and false allegations concerning the IDF and its personnel.”

Defrin said the claims shown in the trailer were “untrue,” adding that some had been presented “in a distorted and misleading manner that is disconnected from the reality on the ground.”

The IDF spokesperson defended the military’s conduct, saying its operations were governed by international law and professional standards.

“It is important for me to emphasize that the IDF is a values-driven military that operates in accordance with international law and binding professional principles and standards,” he said. “This is how we have operated throughout the past three years, and this is how we will continue to operate—even under the most complex combat conditions.”

Defrin also invited the filmmakers, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, to provide IDF representatives with access to the complete documentary.

“To enable a substantive, professional and evidence-based discussion, rather than relying on misleading portrayals, I invite the filmmakers to allow IDF representatives to watch the film in full,” he said. “That will enable us to address each of the allegations raised in it on its merits.”

He said the wider public debate should be based on verifiable information “not on misleading portrayals and false smears.”

Defrin concluded by expressing support for Israeli troops and commanders, citing their service since the Hamas-led attacks of October 7.

“Together with all IDF commanders, I stand fully behind the IDF’s soldiers, commanders and personnel, and I categorically reject the baseless attacks against them,” he said.

“Those who have sacrificed and defended—and who continue to defend—the country deserve its support and protection in return.”