NAZA (film): AI, Surveillance, and Collateral Damage

The Problem of Algorithmic Warfare

The integration of artificial intelligence into military operations presents profound ethical and practical challenges, particularly concerning the automated targeting of individuals and infrastructure. Systems designed to identify and neutralize threats based on algorithmic probability raise critical questions about accountability, the definition of legitimate targets, and the acceptable cost in civilian lives. The concept of 'collateral damage' becomes particularly fraught when decisions are influenced or made by non-human systems, potentially distancing human operators from the immediate consequences of their actions.

This reliance on AI in conflict zones necessitates a deeper examination of its implementation and oversight. The potential for unintended escalation, biased decision-making, and the erosion of human judgment in life-or-death situations demands scrutiny. Understanding how these technologies are deployed, the data they rely on, and the protocols governing their use is crucial for assessing their impact on international law and human rights.

The documentary NAZA directly confronts these issues by investigating the use of AI and automated surveillance in Israeli military targeting systems during the Gaza war. The film's title itself, derived from the Hebrew military term 'nezek agavi' meaning collateral damage, signals its focus on the human cost of technologically advanced warfare.

NAZA: A Documentary's Genesis

NAZA is a 2026 British documentary film helmed by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor. It delves into the intricate connection between artificial intelligence, automated surveillance, and military targeting strategies employed by Israeli forces. The film's core objective is to illuminate the operational realities behind the concept of collateral damage, using the Hebrew military acronym 'nezek agavi' as a stark entry point into the subject matter.

The documentary's narrative is built upon casualty figures drawn from reporting by Israeli outlets +972 Magazine and Local Call, complemented by analyses from The Guardian, spanning the period between 2023 and 2025. Filmed in Tel Aviv during the ongoing Gaza war, NAZA features 24 interviews with anonymized military and intelligence insiders who shed light on the Israeli government officials' involvement in the deaths of thousands of Palestinian civilians.

This investigative approach aims to provide a nuanced, if grim, perspective on the use of AI in contemporary conflict. By giving voice to those within the military apparatus, the film seeks to uncover the mechanisms and decision-making processes that lead to significant civilian casualties, framing these events within the broader context of AI-driven warfare.

Filmmakers' Background and Previous Work

The directing duo, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, bring a significant track record in documenting complex socio-political issues to NAZA. Prior to this project, they co-directed 'No Other Land' (2024). This earlier film focused on the contentious issue of Israeli settler violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank, demonstrating their commitment to exploring human rights concerns in the region.

'No Other Land' achieved critical acclaim, notably winning the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature Film. This prior success not only highlighted the filmmakers' skill in narrative construction and investigative journalism but also paved the way for their subsequent collaboration on NAZA. Their established expertise in handling sensitive and politically charged subjects is a key factor in the latter film's investigative depth.

The production of NAZA is a British endeavor, with The Guardian and James Wilson's JW Films serving as co-producers. The film's executive production is overseen by Jonathan Glazer, aligning it with a significant network of established film and media organizations, including Placeholder Films and Unseen Hand, underscoring the project's potential for broad reach and impact.

World Premiere and Festival Circuit

NAZA made its highly anticipated world premiere on 10 September 2026, gracing the main competition at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. Its inclusion in this prestigious festival's primary competition, where it vied for the coveted Golden Lion, marked a significant moment for documentary filmmaking. Notably, it stood as the sole documentary selected for this competitive segment.

The film's addition to the festival's lineup was a late one, confirmed only on 24 August, following careful consideration of safety concerns related to its screening. Despite these potential hurdles, the documentary received an extraordinary 25-minute standing ovation, a testament to its profound impact on the audience and a record-breaking duration for the Venice Film Festival. This reception underscored the film's immediate and powerful resonance.

Following its Venetian debut, NAZA was also slated for inclusion in the 'Perlak' sidebar section of the 74th San Sebastián International Film Festival, running from 18–26 September 2026. Furthermore, its North American premiere was scheduled as part of the Main Slate at the 2026 New York Film Festival (25 September to 12 October). French distribution company MK2 Films is managing the worldwide sales rights for the film.

Critical Acclaim and Reception

As of 12 September 2026, NAZA has garnered near-universal critical acclaim. On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts a perfect 100% approval rating, based on 16 reviews, with an average score of 9/10. This indicates a remarkably strong and consistent positive reception from critics across the board.

Metacritic, another prominent review aggregator, assigns NAZA a weighted average score of 96 out of 100. This score, derived from 13 critic reviews, signifies 'universal acclaim,' placing the film among the highest-rated cinematic works. These high marks reflect the film's perceived quality, thematic relevance, and impactful storytelling.

The critical consensus highlights the film's courage in tackling a highly sensitive subject matter with journalistic rigor and artistic integrity. Reviewers have praised its in-depth investigation, the compelling nature of its interviews, and its contribution to the ongoing discourse surrounding contemporary warfare and its human consequences. The documentary's ability to provoke thought and discussion has been a recurring theme in its early critical reception.

Israeli Government's Condemnation

The release and reception of NAZA have ignited a fierce backlash from members of the Israeli government. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have explicitly denied the allegations presented in the film, characterizing them as unfounded. This official repudiation sets the stage for a significant public relations and political confrontation.

Culture minister Miki Zohar has gone as far as to call for the directors' citizenship to be revoked, accusing them of an act of treason. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also voiced strong criticism, describing the international reaction to the film as 'shocking' and labeling its positive reception at the Venice Film Festival as 'global antisemitic incitement.' This rhetoric escalates the conflict beyond a mere denial of facts, framing it as an attack on the nation.

Further compounding the official response, IDF chief of staff Eyal Zamir has raised the possibility of legal action against the filmmakers. He has criticized the film as libelous and as making 'grave, false accusations against IDF soldiers and commanders.' The intensity of these governmental reactions underscores the profound impact and perceived threat that NAZA poses to the Israeli government's narrative.

Netanyahu's Proposed Legislation

In response to the controversy surrounding NAZA, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on September 16, 2026, his intention to introduce new legislation. These proposed bills aim to directly target individuals who, in his view, defame Israeli soldiers and commanders, as showcased by the film's directors. The announcement was made via a video posted on X, formerly Twitter.

The first proposed law seeks to revoke the citizenship of anyone found to have defamed Israeli soldiers. This measure represents an extraordinary step, potentially stripping individuals of their nationality for expressing critical views or disseminating information deemed damaging to the military's reputation. It signals an intent to use state power to silence dissent and enforce a particular narrative.

The second bill focuses on financial penalties, aiming to increase the statutory damages for defamation by twenty times. This move is intended to 'hit them in their pockets,' making individuals and organizations liable for significantly larger sums in civil lawsuits. Together, these legislative proposals signal a determined effort by the Israeli government to counter the narrative presented by NAZA and to deter future critical reporting and filmmaking on similar subjects.

Support from Israeli Filmmakers and Civil Society

In a significant counter-response to the government's condemnation, over 200 Israeli filmmakers signed a petition in September 2026. This collective statement was issued in protest against what they described as an 'unprecedented campaign of incitement and instigation' directed at Abraham and Szor. The petition asserted the fundamental role of art and journalism in holding a mirror up to society, advocating for freedom of expression and critical inquiry.

The signatories include some of Israel's most prominent directors, such as Ari Folman, Shlomi Elkabetz, Ran Tal, and Michal Aviad. Their endorsement lends considerable weight to the filmmakers' cause and highlights a division within the Israeli creative and intellectual community regarding the film and the government's reaction to it. This support signifies a commitment to artistic freedom and the importance of challenging prevailing narratives.

Further solidarity came from over 40 Israeli human rights, equality, and peace organizations. These groups published a joint statement in September 2026, calling on authorities to cease the 'wave of incitement and threats of violence' against Abraham and Szor. Prominent signatories included Combatants for Peace, B'Tselem, Peace Now, Breaking the Silence, and Adalah, demonstrating a broad coalition of civil society organizations standing behind the filmmakers and the film's critical message.

NAZA's Broader Implications

The controversy surrounding NAZA highlights the growing tension between the use of advanced AI in warfare and the principles of human rights and accountability. The film's examination of automated surveillance and targeting systems, and its focus on 'collateral damage,' forces a confrontation with the ethical implications of algorithmic decision-making in conflict zones.

The strong reactions from the Israeli government underscore the political sensitivity of these issues. The proposed legislation to revoke citizenship and increase defamation penalties suggests a concerted effort to control the narrative and suppress critical perspectives on military operations. This approach raises concerns about freedom of speech and the role of investigative journalism and documentary filmmaking in holding power accountable.

Where This Approach Does Not Fit

While NAZA's investigative approach is powerful for exposing the human cost of AI in conflict, it's crucial to recognize its limitations. The film relies heavily on anonymized insider accounts and specific reporting from journalistic outlets. This methodology, while effective for eliciting candid testimony, means that direct, verifiable evidence from the AI systems themselves or independent technical audits might not be fully represented within the documentary's narrative structure.

Furthermore, the focus is on the *application* and *consequences* of AI in a specific military context. It does not, by its nature, delve into the intricate technical details of the AI algorithms or the engineering challenges of developing such systems. Readers and viewers seeking a deep dive into the machine learning models, the specific datasets used for training, or the software engineering practices behind these targeting systems would need to consult separate technical literature and research. NAZA serves as a critical examination of the human and ethical dimensions, rather than a technical manual or a deep-dive into AI architecture.