Al Jazeera probe exposes fake viewing numbers for Israeli counter-film

An Al Jazeera investigation has exposed holes in claims that an Israeli counter-film to the acclaimed documentary NAZA achieved more than 44 million views. By examining domain registries, web archives, source code, and three independent traffic tools, the investigation exposed the fabricated numbers adopted by official Israeli entities to promote the film.The original award-winning film, NAZA, draws on testimony from 24 unnamed Israeli military whistleblowers, accusing the army of using artificial intelligence-powered targeting systems to kill numerous civilians in Gaza. The documentary takes its name from the Israeli military term for civilian casualties expected in air strikes. After winning the special jury prize at the Venice International Film Festival and receiving a historic 25-minute standing ovation, the film was scheduled to screen in 56 countries.Official backlashThe success of the original documentary triggered a political storm in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded that the chief of general staff, the head of the Shin Bet, and the attorney general launch a comprehensive investigation into the participants and prosecute them for information security viol...