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Netanyahu Proposes Stripping Citizenship Over IDF Defamation

By Drooid · Sep 20, 2026, 6:05 AM UTC · How we work

Center

Herzog Denies Revocation

Benjamin Netanyahu announced September 16, 2026 he will propose bills to revoke citizenship and damages for those who defame IDF soldiers, citing “NAZA.”
It notes revoking citizenship for speech is unprecedented, as Israel limits such measures to terrorism, treason or espionage and requires court approval.
President Isaac Herzog told Channel 12 the filmmakers’ citizenship cannot be stripped.
Israel Defense Forces rejected film’s claims, saying targeting decisions are made by humans, not AI.

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Intimidation Against Media

On September 16 2026 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced two Knesset bills to revoke citizenship and raise defamation damages for anyone who defames IDF soldiers.
The measures are seen as intimidation against journalists and filmmakers, chilling free expression in Israel.
Documentary NAZA, directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, won the Venice Film Festival prize.
Human-rights and press-freedom groups condemned intimidation and urged authorities to protect the filmmakers and journalists.

History

Historical Context

Israel’s 2003 Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law, upheld by the Supreme Court in 2006 and 2012, barred roughly 12,700 Palestinian spouses from citizenship, reflecting demographic fears voiced by demographer Arnon Sofer. Netanyahu’s September 16 2026 bills to strip citizenship and raise defamation damages echo this earlier legal strategy, reviving long-standing tensions over the state’s Jewish character.

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Herzog Denies Revocation

Benjamin Netanyahu announced September 16, 2026 he will propose bills to revoke citizenship and damages for those who defame IDF soldiers, citing “NAZA.”
It notes revoking citizenship for speech is unprecedented, as Israel limits such measures to terrorism, treason or espionage and requires court approval.
President Isaac Herzog told Channel 12 the filmmakers’ citizenship cannot be stripped.
Israel Defense Forces rejected film’s claims, saying targeting decisions are made by humans, not AI.

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