Review of the film “The Bibi Files” – Benjamin Netanyahu is exposed in a riveting documentary

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A consistent characteristic of so-called “strong” political leaders is their complete disregard for the laws and law enforcement of their own nation. In The Bibi filesWe see Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu being questioned by police during his bribery and fraud investigation. He always answers questions coolly with “I don’t remember” – but in the end he slams his fist on the table in anger. (He gave no less combative testimony at his trial this week.) If you think he has high standards, you should see his wife Sara and their son Yair when they, too, are questioned. He and his family have all denied any wrongdoing.

Alexis Bloom’s riveting film – whose producers include prolific documentarian Alex Gibney – is based on leaked footage of Netanyahu, his family and associates testifying to police. The film alleges that for years “Bibi” and Sara received lavish gifts – including cigars, champagne and jewelry – in return for favors. A key figure is arms dealer-turned-Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan, for whom we hear Netanyahu intervened to resolve his US visa problems.

Given the war crimes warrant recently issued by the International Criminal Court, it might seem that Netanyahu’s corruption allegations are trivial in comparison. However, the film looks beyond its ostensible subject and shows how his legal troubles led him to strengthen his power base by allying with Israel’s far-right hardliners, raising the scope of the country’s current actions in Gaza, the West Bank and elsewhere heated up.

In addition to the journalist Raviv Drucker, also one of the film’s producers, the contributors include former employees of Netanyahu and Milchan, the former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (who was himself imprisoned for corruption) and Uzi Beller, a friend of “Bibi” since his Childhood, but not a friend of “Bibi”. political supporter. In the end, Beller also appears publicly to denounce him. There comes a point in a politician’s career when no amount of banter can save his reputation.

★★★★☆

In US cinemas now and in UK cinemas from December 13th