Israel Silences Its Own: Filmmakers Threatened, Stars Fined as Netanyahu Moves to Strip Citizenship

Israeli filmmakers behind the award-winning documentary "NAZA" are facing threats and intimidation at home, with far-right activists targeting their families, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushes legislation to revoke citizenship of those who "defame" Israeli soldiers [244633]. The documentary, directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, uses anonymous testimony from 24 soldiers and members of Israeli intelligence services to describe widespread killings of civilians in Gaza and the military's use of technology to select targets [243451].

Dozens of far-right activists gathered Wednesday night outside the home of Szor's parents in the town of Savyon, central Israel, amid growing criticism and threats against the filmmakers after the film premiered at the Venice Film Festival [243451]. One protester accused the filmmakers of committing "an act of treason from within" and said Israeli society should "denounce them," adding that Szor and Abraham "will be ashamed to walk the street" [243451]. The demonstration was led in part by far-right activist Mordechai David, and organizers spread photographs of the two filmmakers in WhatsApp groups under the slogan "traitors wanted," with protesters displaying signs reading "let us denounce the traitors among us" [243451].

The gathering took place as political pressure on "NAZA" intensifies. Netanyahu has promised to push a law allowing the revocation of citizenship for those who defame Israeli soldiers, and he has also proposed tougher compensation in defamation lawsuits [243451][244633]. The film won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival and has been added to the San Sebastián Film Festival program, where it will screen in the Perlak section between September 23 and 26 [243451].

The backlash extends beyond Israel's borders. Actors, musicians, models, and athletes who speak up for Palestine are losing work and money, with some having appearances cancelled, others losing contracts, and some being dropped by their agencies or fined [243379]. Rapper Macklemore and NFL player Azeez Al-Shaair are among those who have faced consequences, with the pattern being consistent: public support for Palestine often leads to professional fallout [243379].

Within Israel, sympathy for Palestinians has become rare since October 7, 2023, and some Israelis who refuse to accept this reality by speaking out risk their jobs, their friendships, and even their safety [245191].