Netanyahu Pushes Laws to Strip Citizenship for Defaming IDF Soldiers

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that he has ordered the immediate preparation and advancement of the so-called "Collateral Damage" laws, aimed at cracking down on the defamation of IDF soldiers and the State of Israel globally.

"We will protect our heroic fighters," Netanyahu stated, noting that the proposed legislation seeks to implement severe punitive measures against those who smear military personnel abroad.

Proposed Punitive Measures

"We will strip citizenship from anyone who defames IDF soldiers abroad and hit them hard in the pocketbook," the Prime Minister asserted. Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar welcomed the move, expressing gratitude to Netanyahu for pushing to revoke the Israeli citizenship of the creators behind the controversial documentary.

"The time has come to put an end to this disgrace," Miki Zohar stated, having previously urged the Shin Bet to launch an urgent security check against directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shor.

Public and Political Backlash

The announcement follows a fierce public storm surrounding the documentary "Collateral Damage", which won the jury prize at the Venice Film Festival. The film features testimonies from 24 soldiers and intelligence personnel regarding IDF combat mechanisms in the Gaza Strip, including disputed claims about strike approvals involving high civilian casualties—allegations the IDF has strongly rejected as "complete lies."

In addition to government ministers, military and public figures have condemned the project. IDF Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir addressed attempts to blacken the name of soldiers and commanders using baseless manipulations, declaring that countering these efforts is a national and international mission.