Israeli minister releases video attacking film industry over 'defaming Israel'

Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar has ignited controversy with a social media video that skewers the Israeli film industry, just months before national elections. Released ahead of the Jerusalem Film Festival, the video boasts about Zohar's recent reforms to the Cinema Law, which he claims have halted government funding for Israeli filmmakers producing content critical of the country. The satirical video depicts a director and assistant making a film showing Israeli soldiers and West Bank settlers abusing a Palestinian child and civilians. As they film, an ATM dispenses piles of shekels, symbolizing state funding. Zohar then appears, cutting the scene and declaring, "For years, the formula was simple. Defame Israel, and get a check from the government. No more." He asserts that his reforms redirect funds from "Israel haters" to movies "that we, Israelis, love," ending what he calls the "era of defaming IDF soldiers at the taxpayers’ expense."

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For years, the formula was simple. Defame Israel, and get a check from the government. No more.

The reforms championed by Zohar represent a significant overhaul of Israeli film funding, which heavily relies on government-backed film funds. Spearheaded in early 2025, the changes prioritize commercially viable films over more serious artistic endeavors and bolster regional film funds while diminishing others. Government-appointed lectors now play a role in allocating funds, favoring crowd-pleasing comedies. Zohar also established new film awards, judged by government appointees, to rival the established Ophir Awards. These moves stem from Zohar's perception that many serious Israeli filmmakers are overly critical of the government, a sentiment he expressed particularly after a drama about a Palestinian boy received the Ophir Award for Best Picture in 2025.

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The cinema reforms that I initiated take our money away from movies that Israel haters love, [and give it] to movies that we, Israelis, love.

The video's release also occurs amid political jockeying within the Likud party, following the departure of MK Yuli Edelstein. Analysts suggest Zohar's video could be a strategic move to garner popular support by appealing to a nationalist base. The slogan "Right-wing action wins!" displayed at the video's end reinforces this interpretation. The reforms themselves have drawn criticism for potentially stifling artistic freedom and promoting a narrow, state-approved narrative in Israeli cinema.

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The era of defaming IDF soldiers at the taxpayers’ expense has ended. Not on my watch!