OCCUPIED JERUSALEM — A powerful documentary titled The Bibi Files has thrust Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu back onto the political stage amid renewed scrutiny. Despite being defied by legal restrictions, viewers across Israel are finding creative ways to stream the film, which exposes allegations of corruption against one of the country’s longest-serving leaders.
Directed by Alexis Bloom and produced by the Oscar-winning Alex Gibney, The Bibi Files utilizes leaked footage from police interviews with Netanyahu and those close to him. The film reveals extensive evidence documenting the prime minister’s alleged misconduct, including accepting lavish gifts such as cigars and champagne from wealthy benefactors. The documentary began streaming on Jolt.film, drawing immediate public interest as its launch coincided with Netanyahu’s court appearances related to his corruption trial.
Bloom remarked, "The film is being pirated like wildfire in Israel," underlining the lengths people are going to circumvent the bans on the documentary. The release spotlighted not only legal battles but also the intertwining of political fortunes and media narratives.
It all began when Gibney received unprecedented access to over 1,000 hours of police interview footage, detailing the corruption investigation against Netanyahu. The footage, leaked by sources via secure communication channels, contained explosive revelations about Netanyahu’s alleged dealings. Longtime Israeli investigative journalist Raviv Drucker helped to analyze this material, urging Gibney to proceed with the documentary. Gibney described the footage as "very explosive," setting the stage for what would become a pivotal public narrative.
Throughout the film, viewers are treated to previously unknown insights as Netanyahu is seen seated at his desk, visibly agitated by the allegations. He frequently states, "I can’t recall" when pressed on potentially incriminatory matters, prompting observers to question his memory and credibility. Critics have pointed out the disparity between his alleged forgetfulness during the interviews and his apparent sharpness during public addresses.
Among the notable individuals appearing on camera is Arnon Milchan, a billionaire friend of Netanyahu, who detailed his role delivering champagne to the Netanyahu residence as part of the alleged gifts-for-favors scheme. The footage raises eyebrows when Milchan states the deliveries occurred regularly, including times when he carried the items himself.
The documentary also features commentary from billionaires Sheldon and Miriam Adelson. Sheldon expresses discomfort over Netanyahu’s lavish lifestyle, saying, "I don’t think I’ll continue the relationship with them" and highlighting the exorbitant cost of Netanyahu's preferred Cuban cigars, priced at $1,100 for just ten. This connection to elite benefactors showcases how intertwined Netanyahu’s personal and political life has become.
While the film's revelations have mobilized Netanyahu's opponents, who will likely use the documentary as evidence of his alleged corruption and grip on power, they also come at a politically charged moment. Netanyahu has become the first sitting Israeli leader to testify as a criminal defendant, with his every word closely watching throughout the nation.
Significantly, The Bibi Files presents arguments connecting Netanyahu’s legal troubles to recent political turbulence, including his attempts to alter the judicial system. The film suggests these efforts may have contributed to widespread protests and political unrest, portraying Netanyahu as leading the nation toward potential destruction.
Commenting on the potential impact of the documentary, Bloom reflects, "Having seen The Bibi Files, I hope people will at least entertain the idea of term limits." After 17 years of serving as prime minister, the conversation around accountability and governance continues to be central to the Israeli political discourse.
Significantly, Bloom insists, "It’s OK to criticize the prime minister of Israel, and it’s not anti-Semitic and it’s not anti-Israel," emphasizing the necessity of challenging leadership regardless of loyalty or sentiment toward the state.
Yet, the political ramifications extend beyond mere public opinion. Netanyahu's legal team has been active, with his attorneys requesting investigations against Drucker for allegedly trying to manipulate the legal outcomes surrounding the corruption case. This has not only raised eyebrows but also foreshadowed incoming skirmishes between media censorship, political loyalty, and the battle for public sentiment.
Even as debates persist on the documentary’s validity and motivations, The Bibi Files stands as both commentary and catalyst for public discussion, exemplifying the fragile nature of Israel's political fabric amid crisis. The film captures the complexity surrounding Netanyahu's leadership, encapsulating the fears and hopes of citizens who find themselves questioning the integrity of those governing them.
