Netanyahu Seeks Revocation of Citizenship for NAZA Leaders

WHO:

Al Jazeera - The documentary NAZA is directed by Israeli journalists Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor.

Deadline - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to revoke the citizenship of the directors of the documentary NAZA.

WHAT:

Al Jazeera - Netanyahu stated that the film NAZA documents allegations that mass civilian deaths were built into Israel’s target decisions in its war against Palestinians in Gaza.

Al Jazeera - During his acceptance speech at the Venice Film Festival, Yuval Abraham stated, “our country is doing these crimes” and highlighted that Israel is systematically and deliberately targeting Palestinians in Gaza.

Al Jazeera - Netanyahu's proposed legislation would allow for the revocation of citizenship from Israelis who carry out actions that constitute a breach of trust against the state, as established by a 2022 Supreme Court ruling.

Al Jazeera - Netanyahu stated he will introduce a law to "revoke the citizenship of anyone who defames ⁠Israel’s soldiers, including the directors of NAZA."

Al Jazeera - Netanyahu cited the film NAZA as portraying Israeli officers and soldiers as war criminals.

Al Jazeera - Netanyahu pledged to advance two bills that he said would address the “immense damage” done to Israeli soldiers in the film.

Al Jazeera - Netanyahu stated, “We will hit them both in their pockets and in their citizenship, as their place is not with us.”

Al Jazeera - Netanyahu stated he would increase the statutory damages for defamation that can be sued for by 20 times.

Al Jazeera - Netanyahu cited three examples in proposing the bills, including remarks by left-wing ex-general Yair Golan in 2025 and a military legal officer’s 2024 leak of a video showing soldiers abusing a Gaza detainee.

Al Jazeera - More than 73,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed in Israel’s war on Gaza since October 2023.

Variety - Netanyahu stated, “We will hit them in their pockets and also in their citizenship, because their place is not here.”

Variety - Netanyahu stated he will introduce a law to "revoke the citizenship of anyone who slanders IDF [Israeli Defense Forces] soldiers."

Deadline - Netanyahu plans to introduce two bills in the Knesset aimed at punishing the directors of NAZA.

Deadline - The documentary NAZA won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival.

WHEN:

Al Jazeera - Israel's next election is scheduled for October 27.

WHY:

Al Jazeera - Netanyahu accused several of his election rivals of failing to take a tough stand against the documentary, claiming this made them unfit for office.

Deadline - Netanyahu described the actions of the NAZA directors as "global antisemitic incitement."

HOW:

Al Jazeera - Netanyahu's proposed bills include increasing the statutory damages for defamation that can be sued for by 20 times.

Al Jazeera - Netanyahu's proposed legislation would increase the statutory damages for defamation that can be sued for by 20 times.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 15:59 UTC)

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated that the film NAZA raises serious allegations about mass civilian deaths being factored into Israel's military decisions in Gaza. During his acceptance speech at the Venice Film Festival, filmmaker Yuval Abraham asserted that Israel is systematically targeting Palestinians, claiming, “our country is doing these crimes.” In response to criticism, Netanyahu has proposed new legislation that would allow the revocation of citizenship for actions deemed a breach of trust against the state, while also seeking to increase statutory damages for defamation claims significantly.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 13:58 UTC)

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced plans to introduce a law that would revoke the citizenship of anyone who defames Israel’s soldiers, specifically targeting the directors of the film NAZA, which he claims portrays Israeli officers as war criminals. He pledged to advance two bills aimed at addressing the "immense damage" he believes the film has caused to Israeli soldiers, stating, “We will hit them both in their pockets and in their citizenship, as their place is not with us.” Additionally, Netanyahu's proposed legislation would significantly increase the statutory damages for defamation, allowing claims to be sued for twenty times the current amount.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 13:06 UTC)

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has announced plans to increase statutory damages for defamation by twenty times, citing remarks made by left-wing ex-general Yair Golan in 2025 and a military legal officer’s 2024 leak of a video showing soldiers abusing a Gaza detainee. He accused several election rivals of not taking a strong enough stance against the documentary NAZA, directed by Israeli journalists Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, claiming this disqualifies them from office. Israel's next election is set for October 27, as the conflict continues to escalate, with over 73,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, reported killed in the ongoing war on Gaza since October 2023.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 05:00 UTC)

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has made a strong statement, declaring, “We will hit them in their pockets and also in their citizenship, because their place is not here.” This remark emphasizes his government's commitment to addressing issues related to citizenship and economic consequences. The comments were made during a press briefing at 05:00 UTC.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 03:02 UTC)

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced plans to introduce a law aimed at revoking the citizenship of anyone who slanders Israeli Defense Forces soldiers. This move comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding the military's actions and public discourse. The proposed legislation is expected to spark significant debate within the country.

(UPDATED September 17, 2026 01:24 UTC)

Prime Minister Netanyahu is taking significant steps to revoke the citizenship of the directors of the documentary NAZA, which recently won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. He plans to introduce two bills in the Knesset aimed at punishing these directors, whom he has labeled as engaging in "global antisemitic incitement." This move comes as part of Netanyahu's broader efforts to address what he perceives as harmful actions against Israel.