Netanyahu corruption trial/ The Bibi Files/ Alex Gibney documentary/ Israeli politics/ leaked police footage/ NEW YORK/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Alex Gibney’s documentary The Bibi Files features leaked footage of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s police interrogations in his ongoing corruption trial. Though banned in Israel due to privacy laws, the film is being widely pirated, fueling heated debates about Netanyahu’s leadership and legal woes.
‘The Bibi Files’: Quick Looks
- Leaked Footage: Over 1,000 hours of police interrogations with Netanyahu and associates form the basis of the documentary.
- Israel Ban: Privacy laws prevent the film from being shown in Israel, though pirated versions are spreading online.
- Corruption Trial: Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, making him the first Israeli PM to testify as a criminal defendant.
- Polarizing Impact: The documentary deepens political divides, with opponents calling it damning and supporters dismissing it as a witch hunt.
- Streaming Launch: The Bibi Files began streaming on Wednesday, coinciding with Netanyahu’s testimony in court.
‘The Bibi Files’ Shows Netanyahu Under Investigation, Sparks Debate in Israel
Deep Look
Inside ‘The Bibi Files’
Acclaimed filmmaker Alex Gibney’s The Bibi Files delves into the corruption charges against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu using leaked police interrogation footage. The documentary captures a historic moment as Netanyahu becomes the first sitting Israeli leader to take the stand as a criminal defendant.
The footage includes interviews with Netanyahu, his wife Sara, son Yair, and close associates, showcasing their reactions to the charges. Netanyahu, often defiant, calls the accusations “absurd” and frequently claims he doesn’t remember key details.
Corruption Allegations
Netanyahu is accused of accepting luxury gifts, including cigars and champagne, from billionaire friends in exchange for political favors. Additional charges allege he manipulated media regulations for positive coverage. The documentary intersperses the footage with commentary from former officials, journalists, and analysts to argue that Netanyahu’s legal battles have influenced his policy decisions, including controversial judicial reforms.
Israeli Privacy Laws and Piracy
Due to strict privacy laws, The Bibi Files cannot legally be shown in Israel. Despite this, many Israelis are accessing the film through VPNs or pirated versions on social media, leading director Alexis Bloom to describe the film as being “pirated like wildfire.”
Netanyahu’s Defenders and Critics
Public reactions to the documentary align with longstanding divisions over Netanyahu’s leadership. Supporters dismiss the film as part of a politically motivated witch hunt, while critics see it as evidence of deep corruption.
“Netanyahu’s opponents will swear by the film,” wrote Nir Wolf of Israel Hayom, “while his supporters will embrace him even more.”
Broader Implications
The documentary connects Netanyahu’s corruption case to larger political and social issues in Israel. It argues that his attempts to weaken the judiciary and ongoing legal troubles have exacerbated divisions within the country, indirectly contributing to the October 2023 Hamas attacks. Netanyahu denies these claims.
Chilling Moments and Commentary
The film also includes interviews with notable figures like Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan, who describes lavish gift exchanges, and Netanyahu’s son Yair, who likens the Israeli police to the Stasi. Critics highlight the film’s portrayal of a family focused on power and privilege at the expense of national stability.
A Call for Change
Director Alexis Bloom hopes the documentary prompts discussions about term limits for leaders like Netanyahu, who has served as Israel’s prime minister for a total of 17 years.
“It’s OK to criticize the prime minister of Israel,” Bloom said. “He’s a political leader, like any other.”
