Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar has threatened to revoke the citizenship of filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor and accused them of “treason” following international recognition of their documentary NAZA.

The film examines Israeli military use of artificial intelligence in targeting during the Gaza war, drawing on testimony from confidential sources within Israel’s military and intelligence services. The threats raise concerns regarding freedom of expression, artistic freedom, press freedom, and the protection of confidential journalistic sources.

Background

NAZA received the Special Jury Prize at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. The documentary draws on investigative reporting and testimony from 24 confidential sources within Israel’s military and intelligence services, who describe the use of artificial intelligence systems to select targets during the Gaza war and their connection to extensive civilian casualties.

The Israeli army has rejected the allegations and questioned the credibility of anonymous sources.

Following the announcement of the award, Abraham and Szor faced calls for criminal investigations against them and their sources. Zohar subsequently called for their citizenship to be revoked and accused the filmmakers of treason.

Institutional Position

Freedom of expression protects journalistic and artistic work addressing matters of public interest, including scrutiny of military and security institutions. Threatening citizenship deprivation or criminal action in response to such expression warrants scrutiny of whether state measures satisfy the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality.

Protection of confidential sources is an essential safeguard for investigative journalism. Measures intended to expose or punish sources for providing information of public interest can deter whistleblowing and restrict the public’s ability to examine the exercise of state power.

Disputed claims concerning military conduct should be examined through independent and evidence-based processes rather than addressed through intimidation or punitive measures against those who report or document them.

Applicable Legal Framework

Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) protects freedom of opinion and expression, including the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information. Restrictions must be provided by law and satisfy the requirements of necessity and proportionality. Article 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights protects the right to nationality and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of nationality.

Demands Aligned with International Human Rights Principles

Investigative journalism and artistic expression concerning matters of public interest are essential to accountability. State authorities should respond to disputed claims through transparent, independent processes, not through threats or punitive measures directed at those who document and report them.

Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC)
Geneva, Switzerland – September 15, 2026