The movie begins in the office of one of the world’s most powerful men. A map of his country along with the surrounding Middle East countries dominates the wall behind him. He is sitting for an interview with law enforcement about a corruption investigation but it’s apparent that he sees their questions as a nuisance to him. He is the Prime Minister of Israel and while he seems to be unfazed by this inquiry, the possibility of going to jail terrifies him.
Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu’s inquisitors have their questions prepped. The investigation goes back to 2016. Netanyahu is asked about accepting gifts from various friends, people like the late casino mogul Sheldon Adelson and his widow Miriam, film producer and spy Arnon Milchan and others. The film cuts between Netanyahu’s interview to the interviews of other witnesses pertinent to the investigation, from the aforementioned Adelsons to Arnon Milchan to Sara Netanyahu. Whereas the Adelsons, Milchans and others are forthcoming, Sara Netanyahu is combative in her responses. She views the investigation as a witchhunt and believes the police would be better off devoting their resources elsewhere.
Netanyahu is the longest-serving Prime Minister in Israel’s history, having served over 17 years during multiple terms. He is also no stranger to scrutiny as he has faced scandalous allegations before but always emerged relatively unscathed. His popularity has diminished as his recent legal ordeal has laid bare his venality. His attempts at “judicial reform” are seen as obstructionist and protests broke out in response to Netanyahu’s corruption. His reign as Prime Minister was briefly interrupted from 2021-2022, but he was re-elected in 2022 and doesn’t seem intent on relinquishing power.
The attacks on October 7, 2023 shocked the world, but may not have completely taken the Israeli Government by surprise. Benjamin Netanyahu had been sending money to Hamas(through Qatar) to keep the terrorist group placated. The images seen in “The Bibi Files” from that day are haunting and graphic, the impact of the scenes is strengthened by the reactions of the film’s interviewees. Netanyahu has assumed the role of wartime leader as Israel indiscriminately targets Gaza with aerial bombardment. The IDF has been unleashed and their brutality is seemingly bottomless. The current death toll for the Palestinians ranges between 40,000(Reuters) and 100,000(Al Jazeera). Despite a stated ceasefire on multiple occasions, the Israeli military continues their bombing undeterred.
The movie reflects both Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu’s obsession with their public image. This also extended to Netanyahu’s son Avner who frequently speaks out against those on the Left who want to tear down his family & support the enemy. The family will threaten news outlets whose intrepid journalists criticize them.
Whereas certain media outlets call out Netanyahu’s excesses, the United States media obeys the US Government’s wishes in providing fawning coverage of the Prime Minister. News show guests who are critical of the Prime Minister and his list of crimes are usually given short shrift if not labeled as outright Anti-Semites. The equating of Anti-Zionist with Anti-Semite will never cease until enough people call out the nonsense that underlies the labeling. The red carpet treatment of Netanyahu for his addressing a joint session of Congress illustrated the disgraceful kowtowing done by elected officials. While there were some who protested his appearance, the majority were listening to every word and gushed over his calls for “Total Victory”. The ovations given to Netanyahu were solidified by AIPAC donations and voluminous blackmail material. If anyone wants to know how the Israeli Government views their “friendship” with the US, they would benefit by reading about USS Liberty, Unit 8200, Jonathan Pollard, MEGA, Urban Moving Systems, Jeffrey Epstein….etc(The list of espionage goes on and on)
“The Bibi Files” signifies why documentary films are vital to the public discussion. “Speaking truth to power” is necessary when a government is out of control and the Israeli government has been incorrigible for far too long. The concern with Netanyahu’s removal is the assumption of power by someone even more radical(i.e. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich or Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir). However, the hope for real change is there as the current war taxes the patience of many Israelis whose voices begin to grow louder by the day. The impact of this movie will resonate with its spread far & wide. One of the best films I’ve seen in a long time.
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