A new documentary, ‘The Bibi Files‘, offers a gripping and unflinching investigation into the private world of Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Using never-before-seen interrogation footage, the film takes a deep dive into the personal and political scandals that have plagued Netanyahu and his inner circle. Through intimate access to key players and previously undisclosed recordings, ‘The Bibi Files’ paints a portrait of a leader driven by vanity, entitlement, and a relentless desire to maintain power at all costs.
Directed by Alexis Bloom and produced by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney (Taxi to the Dark Side), the documentary presents a hard-hitting examination of Netanyahu’s rise, his alleged corruption, and the consequences for Israeli society. The film’s investigative narrative focuses on Netanyahu’s involvement in three major criminal cases: fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes from powerful figures.
At the heart of the documentary is the unraveling of Netanyahu’s relationship with the far-right fringe of Israeli politics. Variety magazine, in its review of the film, argues that Netanyahu’s policies—particularly his stance on the ongoing Gaza conflict—are not merely strategic but born out of a desperate need to cling to power. The documentary posits that Netanyahu’s political alliance with far-right factions, exacerbated by the Gaza crisis, is largely driven by his fear of being toppled and imprisoned on corruption charges.
As film lays bare, Netanyahu’s political survival appears intertwined with his efforts to delay or evade prosecution. The documentary suggests that the prolonging of the Gaza conflict may be, in part, an attempt to distract from the corruption charges and strengthen his hold on power.
In addition to interviews with Netanyahu’s family members—his wife, Sara Netanyahu, and his son, Yair Netanyahu—the documentary features commentary from key figures such as Israeli-American billionaires Sheldon and Miriam Adelson. These figures, according to the film, played significant roles in bolstering Netanyahu’s political agenda and securing his dominance in Israeli media. Arnon Milchan, the Hollywood mogul at the center of the alleged bribery scandal, also offers insight into his connection with Netanyahu.
The documentary further highlights the intricate relationship between Netanyahu’s personal interests, media moguls, and political power. The Haaretz calls it a “devastating connection” between Netanyahu’s drive for political survival and his willingness to dismantle Israel’s institutions and jeopardize its citizens to remain in power. The film underscores how Netanyahu’s corrupt dealings have not only damaged Israel’s political landscape but also sowed division within its society.
Global Impact and Distribution
This documentary has garnered strong praise for its investigative depth and compelling storytelling. It has received rave reviews, achieving a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8/10 rating on IMDb. The film has been described as a powerful indictment of Netanyahu’s leadership, offering an unprecedented look at the man behind the headlines and the forces that have kept him in power for over a decade.
The documentary is available for streaming on Jolt.Film in select countries, including the United States, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, and South Korea. However, due to privacy laws in Israel, the film is currently unavailable for distribution within the country, limiting its direct impact there.
The documentary does not only focus on Netanyahu’s personal failings but also paints a broader picture of the political ecosystem in Israel, where the pursuit of power and media manipulation have long been intertwined. It’s release comes at a critical juncture in Israel’s political history. As Netanyahu continues to navigate legal battles and maintain his grip on power, ‘The Bibi Files’ serves as both an exposé and a timely reminder of the complexities that surround leadership, corruption, and governance.
For those seeking a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most powerful and controversial figures in modern politics, ‘The Bibi Files’ is an essential documentary that unravels the tangled web of media, money, and power that has defined Benjamin Netanyahu’s political career.
