Israel’s Culture Minister Miki Zohar has issued a threat to revoke the Israeli citizenship of documentary filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor. The minister accused the duo of acting against national interests through their film NAZA, which explores Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

Following the film’s debut at the Venice International Film Festival, Zohar condemned the documentary as “shocking” and accused the filmmakers of betraying Israel. He claimed their work was intended to gain international approval by attacking their own country and announced plans to initiate citizenship revocation proceedings against them.

NAZA, directed by Abraham and Szor, investigates the systems and policies behind the mass killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza after the October 7, 2023 attacks. The documentary premiered at Venice, where it received an unprecedented 24-and-a-half-minute standing ovation, reportedly the longest in the festival’s history. The filmmakers were also honored with a special jury prize for their work.

The film has attracted significant international attention, but also sparked sharp criticism from Israeli officials and commentators. In response to the backlash, Abraham acknowledged the difficulty of celebrating the award amid attacks from Israeli politicians and journalists who dismissed the film without viewing it.

He argued that denying alleged crimes only enables their continuation, emphasizing the filmmakers’ desire for Israelis to confront the realities depicted in Gaza. Abraham also urged audiences in Europe, Italy, and the United States to watch the documentary, highlighting the responsibility of these governments in the ongoing conflict.

Specifically, Abraham criticized Italy and Germany for insufficient pressure on Israel, while accusing the United States of financially supporting the military campaign.

The controversy surrounding NAZA has further elevated the film’s profile since its Venice premiere. While the filmmakers present it as a critical examination of Israel’s conduct in Gaza, Zohar frames it as an attack on the state itself. His threat to revoke the filmmakers’ citizenship represents a notable escalation in the official response to the documentary and its creators.