"NAza" Controversy

Democrats Defend "Neza" Film Critics

As documentary presenting harsh allegations against IDF operations in Gaza sparks uproar, two prominent Democrats list candidates direct their fire at Israeli public discourse rather than the film itself

Gila Isaacson

SEP 14, 2026 07:28

2 min read

The documentary "NAZA" has ignited fierce public controversy in Israel over its portrayal of IDF activity in the Gaza Strip and allegations it raises about Israel's conduct during the war.

But while many Israelis have condemned the messages emerging from the film, two prominent candidates on the Democrats party list have chosen to focus their criticism on the Israeli response to it instead.

Gaby Lasky, number 6 on the list, argued that discourse against the filmmakers has turned violent and called for protecting the ability to raise moral questions even during wartime.

"The violent discourse against the creators must stop," Lasky wrote, adding that these are "works that raise value-based questions that must be asked precisely out of pain."

"It's easiest to justify violating human rights during war, and therefore there's also an obligation to ask questions and set boundaries. That's the essence of democracy."

Moshe Redman, number 9 on the Democrats list, also addressed criticism of the film. He wrote, "The public atmosphere, the sensationalist media, the lack of human rights education, the despicable leadership, the weak opposition,all these are classic circumstances for confusion and losing one's way. I don't know if the film is truly fair and faithful to the source [but it's] "good there's discourse, good there's criticism," and even lashed out at what he called "the fascist populists."