Israeli Ministers Threaten to Strip Citizenship of Filmmakers Behind Venice Prize Winner Naza

Venice award and documentary content

The 83rd Venice Film Festival concluded on Saturday evening by awarding its Special Jury Prize to Naza, an investigative documentary co-directed by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor. The screening at the Lido drew an extended standing ovation and minutes of applause from attendees and the festival jury in the Sala Grande of the Palazzo del Cinema. The film investigates the operational methods used by the Israeli military in Gaza, incorporating firsthand accounts from 24 Israeli officers who describe the system behind civilian deaths. Abraham and Szor had previously co-directed the documentary No Other Land.

Filmmakers call for international action

Accepting the honour, Abraham defended the documentary against domestic criticism, arguing that Israeli politicians had condemned the project without watching the footage. Abraham noted that Israeli intelligence personnel provided testimony documenting systemic attacks, stating that denying such actions allows them to recur and that Israeli society needs to confront the material. Abraham also observed that at least six children were killed in the ten days following the presentation of the film.

We must put pressure on Israel, so that human rights are respected. The Meloni government and the German government are the ones that are blocking measures against Israel.

Abraham told reporters that outside intervention remains necessary to safeguard civilian lives in Palestine as long as only a minority inside Israel defends Palestinian rights, urging both Italy and broader European institutions to shift policy.

Denunciation by Itamar Ben Gvir

Members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition issued condemnations of the directors shortly after the award was announced. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir posted a message on X labelling the documentary antisemitic and describing it as collateral damage directed against the Israeli public. Ben Gvir quoted biblical scripture stating that destroyers and devastators would arise from within the nation.

To those who defame our heroic fighters, who risk their lives so that we can live in peace and security, I say: you are a shame and a dishonour to the entire people of Israel. Leave.

Ben Gvir concluded his post by telling the filmmakers that Hamas enemies in Gaza would welcome them with open arms.

Move to revoke Israeli citizenship

Culture Minister Miki Zohar escalated the government response by formally accusing both directors of treason. Zohar stated that the filmmakers were animated by visceral hatred and were willing to defame their homeland to gain applause from antisemitic audiences abroad.

As Minister of Culture, I will act immediately to revoke the Israeli citizenship of these despicable directors for betraying the country.

Zohar announced that he would initiate immediate administrative procedures to strip Abraham and Szor of their Israeli nationality, aligning with calls across the right-wing coalition for punitive action.