NAZA: Why are old Gaza allegations causing new fury in Israel?

The recent backlash against the documentary NAZA, which exposed allegations of Israeli military misconduct in Gaza, has sparked a heated debate across the country. Accusations of “blood libel” and treason have been leveled against the filmmakers by some politicians and media personalities.

Culture Minister Miki Zohar has called for the directors to be stripped of their citizenship, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cited the film as justification for revoking citizenship from anyone deemed to be smearing Israel’s soldiers. The language used by these officials is eerily reminiscent of McCarthyism, where dissent was equated with disloyalty.

A Nation Divided

The NAZA controversy has revealed a stark divide within Israeli society. While some have expressed outrage at the film’s allegations, others see it as a long-overdue examination of Israel’s actions in Gaza. This dichotomy speaks to a deeper issue: the way Israel’s mainstream media has handled the conflict with Hamas.

In recent years, the Committee to Protect Journalists has reported escalating censorship and harassment of Israeli journalists who dare to question the official narrative. A study by Molad found that only 3% of Channel 12’s coverage of the war mentioned Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. This dearth of critical reporting has contributed to a skewed public perception of the conflict.

The Power of Narrative

At play here is the power of narrative in shaping public opinion. Israel’s national narrative, which frames the conflict as a defensive response to Hamas aggression, has been a dominant force in shaping public discourse. This narrative has effectively turned Palestinian deaths into collateral damage, rather than a direct result of Israeli conduct.

Palestinian jurist and journalist Anat Saragusti notes that this narrative is deeply entrenched in Israel’s collective psyche: “Even journalists who usually support the anti-Netanyahu bloc have criticized the filmmakers.” The language used against NAZA’s directors has been echoed by some of Netanyahu’s most prominent rivals, including former military chief Gadi Eisenkot and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

Fascism in Plain Sight

The intensity of this backlash raises questions about the state of Israeli democracy. Orly Noy, an editor at Local Call, is worried about the consequences: “I think only now, for those of us who live here, is the extent of the fascism becoming clear.” The lynch mob mentality displayed by some politicians and media outlets is a disturbing indicator of Israel’s slide towards authoritarianism.

A Warning Sign

The NAZA controversy should serve as a warning sign to anyone concerned about the erosion of democratic values. As the October elections draw near, it’s clear that dissenting voices will face increasing hostility from those in power. This intolerance for criticism will only further entrench the country’s polarized politics, making it increasingly difficult to find common ground.

The future of Israeli democracy hangs in the balance. Will the nation continue down a path of intolerance and authoritarianism, or will it rediscover its commitment to free speech and critical inquiry? The answer lies in how Israel responds to this controversy – and whether the country’s leaders will allow dissenting voices to be heard.