JERUSALEM: The Netanyahu citizenship bill would allow Israel to revoke citizenship from people deemed to have defamed Israeli soldiers abroad, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday.
Netanyahu said he would introduce two government bills following controversy over “NAZA,” a documentary by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor.
Lawmakers have not yet enacted the proposal. The first bill would create an option to revoke citizenship. Netanyahu said a second measure would increase the amount plaintiffs could seek in defamation lawsuits by 20 times.
In his video statement, Netanyahu accused people behind the film and other critics of portraying Israel Defence Forces personnel as war criminals. He said they should face consequences “in their pockets” and citizenship.
‘STRIP CITIZENSHIP from anyone who defames IDF soldiers’ — Netanyahu
‘Hit both their wallets and their citizenship, because they DO NOT BELONG among us’ pic.twitter.com/0ZShAZ8EoB
— RT Intl (@RT_on_X) September 16, 2026“NAZA” won the Special Jury Prize at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. The documentary contains testimony from Israeli military and intelligence personnel and alleges serious wrongdoing during military operations in Gaza.
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The Israel Defence Forces disputes the film’s allegations. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has ordered officials to examine possible legal action and investigate whether classified material was provided to the filmmakers.
Culture Minister Miki Zohar had previously called for Abraham and Szor to lose their citizenship after the film received its Venice award.
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Netanyahu’s announcement specifically focused on “NAZA” and criticism of Israeli soldiers abroad.
