Israeli Filmmakers Confront Backlash Over Documentary “NAZA”

In September 2026, Israeli directors Ben Kalmer, Rachel Szor and Yuval Abraham premiered the documentary *NAZA* in New York. The film presents testimony from Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) officers and explicitly draws parallels between contemporary military actions and those of World War II. By linking present-day events to historic atrocities, the filmmakers have positioned the work as a direct challenge to prevailing narratives about Israel’s security policies.

Haaretz

• Ben Kalmer – filmmaker, co-director of *NAZA*.

Haaretz

• Rachel Szor – filmmaker, co-director of *NAZA*.

Haaretz

• Yuval Abraham – filmmaker, co-director of *NAZA*; has publicly expressed a personal reluctance to become an exile as a result of the film’s reception.

Haaretz

The directors anticipate significant criticism within Israel. Abraham has indicated that he does not wish to be forced into exile because of the film’s content, reflecting concerns that the documentary could provoke legal or social repercussions. The anticipation of a hostile response underscores the tension between artistic expression and national security discourse in the country.

Haaretz

*NAZA* emerges amid heightened political friction, including statements from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that have been characterized by some observers as incitements toward violence against the United States. By incorporating such contemporary political rhetoric, the documentary situates its historical comparisons within an ongoing debate over Israel’s foreign policy and internal dissent.

Haaretz

If the backlash materializes as expected, the controversy could shape future boundaries for documentary filmmaking in Israel, influencing how filmmakers address military and political subjects. The situation also highlights broader questions about freedom of expression, the role of historical analogy in political critique, and the possible personal costs faced by artists who challenge dominant narratives.

Haaretz