Israeli minister moves to revoke citizenship of documentary filmmakers

On September 14, 2026, Israel's Minister of Culture, Miki Zohar, announced his intention to initiate the revocation of Israeli citizenship for filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor. This action follows the pair's documentary, "NAZA," receiving the Jury's Special Prize at the Venice Film Festival on September 12, 2026. The film features testimony from military personnel accusing the Israel Defense Forces of causing high civilian casualties in Gaza.

Minister Zohar publicly labeled the filmmakers' actions as "treason against the state," alleging they aimed to harm their country to gain approval from antisemites globally. The filmmakers, who are investigative journalists previously known for the Oscar-nominated documentary "No Other Land" regarding West Bank violence, faced further condemnation from government officials. Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir publicly attacked them on the X platform, calling them an embarrassment to Israel and demanding they leave the country. As of now, the formal legal proceedings to strip the directors of their citizenship have not been initiated, but the announcement has triggered a significant political controversy within Israel.