Israeli culture minister moves to revoke citizenship of Gaza documentary filmmakers

Israel’s culture minister, Miri Regev, announced plans to revoke the Israeli citizenship of two filmmakers who produced a documentary about the country’s 2023 Gaza offensive. Regev said the pair, identified as British‑Israeli journalists Yael Shapiro and Tomer Eitan, “seek applause from antisemites around the world” and that their work constitutes a betrayal of the nation’s interests. The documentary, titled “The War Within,” features interviews with Palestinian civilians and Israeli soldiers and has been screened at several European film festivals, drawing criticism from Israeli officials who argue it portrays the military operation in a negative light.

Legal experts note that stripping citizenship is an extreme measure that requires a formal court process and evidence of disloyalty or security threats. Human‑rights groups have warned that the proposal could set a precedent for curbing freedom of expression, especially for journalists and artists. The ministry has not yet detailed the procedural steps it will take, and the filmmakers have declined to comment, leaving the case pending further governmental and judicial review.