Filming has begun for the fifth season of the hit Israeli series Fauda, and the production has sparked backlash after revealing that upcoming episodes will include scenes inspired by the brutal October 7 Hamas assault near the Gaza border.
According to reports, some of the new season’s scenes will be shot in the very communities that were attacked during the massacre, which left approximately 1,200 people dead and around 250 taken hostage by Hamas terrorists.
Residents of the Eshkol Regional Council — one of the regions that suffered severe losses in the attack — were informed in advance that production would include reenactments of violent events. A message circulated to locals indicated that the filming would involve “simulated security incidents,” with actors dressed as soldiers, police officers, and even terrorists, along with vehicles and sound effects including gunfire.
Despite the heads-up, several residents voiced strong opposition to the project, arguing that the filming is an insensitive intrusion into an area still healing from immense trauma.
“This shows a total lack of sensitivity and consideration for citizens here who are still living with the trauma,” said one resident, who asked not to be named. “It could trigger flashbacks and other emotional distress. As someone who lives here and works with victims of the war, it’s disappointing, harmful and dangerous. It seems that publicity is now valued more than our lives.”
Another local, a father, said he appreciated the advance warning but remained concerned about the effect it would have on his child. “It’s good they told us ahead of time, but what about my son who is terrified of gunfire? Why not film somewhere else and recreate the setting? I’m not sure we can cope with this.”
A woman who recently moved back to the area also expressed her frustration, saying, “Our lives aren’t a TV show — this is our reality. They should find a different location for their series.”
In response to the backlash, the Eshkol Regional Council tried to ease tensions by explaining that the scenes involving shooting and combat would be filmed in less populated areas and designed to cause as little disturbance as possible.
The production team behind Fauda issued a statement emphasizing that they announced the filming ahead of time to prevent confusion or distress and to show respect for the affected communities.
“We are announcing this in advance out of respect for public sentiment — so people understand this is a filming operation and not a real security event,” the statement said. “This is our way of telling their story to the world.”

{Matzav.com}