The IDF rejected allegations presented in the Israeli documentary NAZA, saying the film relies on anonymous testimony that cannot be independently verified and includes claims that contradict IDF procedures.
“The IDF categorically rejects these allegations," the IDF Spokesperson said following the publication of the film.
According to the military, the film “relies on anonymous testimonies from individuals whose identity cannot be verified," including whether they served in the IDF, “in what capacity, or whether they were involved in the matters about which the allegations are being made."
The IDF also challenged the substance of some of the testimony, saying that excerpts cited from the film include “claims regarding national and military strategy that are clearly beyond the knowledge of junior-level soldiers."
It added that there are “references to situations in which IDF Intelligence Directorate soldiers, who were allegedly interviewed for the film, by definition would not have been involved."
The military further criticized what it called “an incorrect use of legal terminology by individuals who are not legal professionals," as well as “internal and absurd contradictions" in some of the allegations.
As an example, the IDF cited “the claim that unintended harm resulting from lawful attacks was carried out deliberately or constituted part of ‘genocide,’ without understanding the meaning of these terms."
Addressing its conduct in Gaza, the IDF said it “operates in the Gaza Strip in order to protect Israeli civilians and directs its military activity against terrorist organizations, foremost among them Hamas, in accordance with international law and the laws of armed conflict."
“As part of this, the IDF strikes military targets and makes unprecedented efforts to minimize harm to civilians," the statement continued.
The IDF added that “Hamas continues to systematically operate from within the civilian environment, embedding its operatives and military infrastructure among the population and exploiting civilian areas for terrorist purposes."
On allegations of misconduct by individual soldiers, the military said that “when specific suspicions of violations of the law by an IDF soldier arise, the IDF is fully committed to investigating them and bringing those responsible to justice through independent enforcement mechanisms."
“A soldier who witnesses a violation of the law is required under military orders to report it so that the need to open an investigation can be examined," the IDF said, adding: “This also applies to individuals who were interviewed for the film."
The military also directly rejected allegations concerning the use of artificial intelligence in the approval of strikes.
“Decisions regarding the selection and approval of strikes in the IDF are made by human personnel only, in accordance with IDF guidelines, and not by artificial intelligence," it said.
NAZA, named for the IDF term for collateral damage, is a documentary by Yuval Avraham and Rahel Shor. The film features allegations concerning IDF conduct during the war in Gaza, including testimonies from unnamed soldiers and former members of Unit 8200.
According to the filmmakers, some of those interviewed describe their experiences as involvement in “war crimes and genocide."
The film won an award at the Venice Film Festival. Following the award, Avraham addressed the audience from the stage and criticized Israel’s conduct in Gaza.