The Bibi Files, directed by Alexis Bloom and produced by Alex Gibney, is a revealing 2024 documentary that takes viewers inside the controversial world of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Through a compelling mix of never-before-seen leaked police interrogation footage, interviews, and archival materials, the film offers an unflinching look at Netanyahu’s personal and political life, portraying a man consumed by his quest for power and survival.
The documentary highlights how Netanyahu’s relentless drive to avoid prosecution on corruption charges intertwines with his political decisions, including his controversial policies regarding Gaza. It suggests that his efforts to maintain power come at great cost to Israel’s democratic institutions and social fabric, posing serious questions about the erosion of democracy under his rule.
A standout aspect of the film is its portrayal of Sara Netanyahu, depicted as a formidable and influential figure behind the scenes, whose presence shapes decisions within Netanyahu’s inner circle. The raw interrogation footage reveals Netanyahu’s defensive and theatrical personality, juxtaposing the public myth with a more vulnerable and calculated man.
Visually austere yet compelling, The Bibi Files avoids sensationalism, allowing the stark realities of power, corruption, and ambition to speak loudly. The documentary serves as both a political exposé and a cautionary tale about how unchecked leadership can destabilize a nation, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in contemporary Israeli politics and the complexities of leadership in turbulent times.
The documentary “The Bibi Files” was removed or restricted from streaming services, especially in Israel, primarily due to privacy laws and legal complexities surrounding the leaked police interrogation footage of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that it features. The film includes never-before-seen video footage from Netanyahu’s bribery and fraud trial interrogations, which are protected by strict privacy regulations in Israel, resulting in a ban on the documentary’s official public screening within the country.
Despite attempts by Netanyahu’s legal team to block the film’s release, courts denied these requests, allowing limited screenings internationally. However, the conditions of the leaked material’s use and the legal promises made to the source who provided the footage have limited its official distribution. Outside Israel, the film has been distributed on various platforms but remains controversial due to its content and the sensitive legal backdrop.
The documentary has also seen widespread unauthorized sharing and piracy within Israel, illustrating the population’s strong interest despite the official ban and legal restrictions.