Israeli Documentary NAZA Examines Alleged AI-Assisted Targeting in Gaza

Israeli Documentary NAZA Examines Alleged AI-Assisted Targeting in Gaza
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A new documentary titled NAZA premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, presenting testimonies from 24 Israeli military and intelligence insiders about artificial intelligence-assisted targeting systems and military procedures used during the war in Gaza.

Directed by Oscar-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor and produced by The Guardian, the film explores how intelligence collection, automated analysis tools and estimated civilian casualty levels were reportedly incorporated into Israeli military operations.

The participants, whose identities were concealed, included intelligence officers and soldiers involved in surveillance and remote targeting. According to the filmmakers, interviews were conducted anonymously with altered voices and appearances to protect the sources.

The documentary’s testimonies allege that AI-based systems were used to identify suspected Hamas members and that some strikes were carried out against residential locations despite awareness that family members and other civilians could be present. It also examines claims of digital surveillance methods, including phone tracking and monitoring of communications.

Abraham and Szor said the film aims to examine what they describe as wider military systems and policies rather than focusing only on individual incidents or alleged misconduct by isolated soldiers.

“NAZA” builds on previous investigations by The Guardian, +972 Magazine and Local Call into the use of technology and intelligence systems in Israeli military operations in Gaza. The filmmakers said their goal was to document how decisions and procedures shaped the conduct of the war.

The film received significant attention at Venice, where it was reported to have received a lengthy standing ovation following its screening. The documentary was produced by James Wilson and executive produced by Jonathan Glazer, known for The Zone of Interest.

The release comes amid ongoing international debate over the conduct of the Gaza war, including allegations by human rights organizations and UN bodies regarding civilian harm, military practices and accountability. Israeli authorities have rejected accusations of deliberately targeting civilians and have stated that their operations are directed against Hamas and other armed groups while seeking to minimize civilian casualties.