As a long-time observer and admirer of Israeli politics, I find Alexis Bloom’s documentary, “The Bibi Files,” to be a compelling and deeply troubling account of Benjamin Netanyahu‘s rise to power and the devastating impact his leadership has had on Israel and its people.
The movie ‘Bibi Files,’ directed by Alexis Bloom, is an extraordinary and crucial documentary. It delves into the corruption scandal that has surrounded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu like a harmful fog since 2019, when he was first indicted on allegations of bribery and fraud. However, it also explores how these accusations have transformed his political persona.
The movie strongly suggests that Netanyahu’s political partnership with the extreme right wing in Israel, leading to an ongoing, seemingly endless conflict in Gaza, is primarily a means for him to evade legal accusations. By keeping the war ongoing, he can justify staying in power. Essentially, the documentary posits that Netanyahu fears being ousted and jailed so much that he’s ready to cause significant social discord to prevent it.
When politicians like Netanyahu are implicated in corruption, the allegations often carry significant weight. For instance, Richard Nixon’s downfall was due to a long list of criminal offenses. Ronald Reagan managed the Iran-Contra affair, an incident I consider more serious than Watergate. Donald Trump faces multiple charges, ranging from electoral manipulation to sexual misconduct. In light of this, the scandal that has engulfed Netanyahu might initially appear less severe. He stands accused of bribery and fraud, with the core of the allegations centering around lavish gifts he received – a pattern of accepting extravagant items such as Cohiba cigars, copious amounts of champagne, and expensive jewelry from wealthy benefactors.
It might initially seem insignificant due to the fact that high-ranking officials often possess and appreciate their privileges. For instance, numerous U.S. presidents, starting with John F. Kennedy, have been known to smoke Cuban cigars, a detail that typically doesn’t garner much scrutiny about their origin.
Israel stands apart in its unique character, even 76 years since its establishment. It continues to be a nation deeply rooted in the minimalist socialist ideals of the kibbutz, and during his 17-year tenure as prime minister, Netanyahu has cultivated an extravagant lifestyle that has only grown more lavish over time. This extravagance seems to have transformed into a sense of entitlement for him. Together with Sara, who wields significant influence alongside him, reminiscent of figures like Bill and Hillary Clinton, they travel extensively and are often treated as VIPs, particularly at the White House. Upon their return home, they desire to maintain this opulent lifestyle. As reported by Israeli journalist Raviv Drucker (one of the film’s producers), Netanyahu is believed to have wealthy supporters across the globe.
In Israel, receiving such gifts is generally viewed as a significant violation. This becomes problematic when it appears that these favors may have been reciprocated – for example, in the case of Prime Minister Netanyahu who was accused of manipulating tax laws for his friend, Israeli-born Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan. Lesser scandals have ended the political careers of many Israelis. However, as “The Bibi Files” reveals, over the course of his tenure as Prime Minister – which makes him the longest serving since the establishment of Israel – Netanyahu has developed a messianic attitude. In his view, he is not merely a representative but an incarnation of the State. He believes himself to be invincible and feels that he is reaping what he is entitled to.
“The Bibi Tapes
During interrogations, Netanyahu’s behavior displays a mix of calculated self-righteous indignation and strategic denial. His tactic involves repeatedly claiming he can’t remember things, which is his response to approximately 95% of the questions, as depicted in the film. However, this isn’t simple denial. Netanyahu’s approach, which is impressive, is to undermine the credibility of the police interrogators through exaggerated self-righteousness. He exclaims things like “That’s absurd!” and “You’re delusional!” in heated tones.
As a movie buff might put it, in 2019, when allegations were levied against him, I would’ve expected my political counterpart to step down and call it quits, as advised by his own legal team. However, he chose defiance, fueled by the belief that he was untouchable – a system-defier who stood above the fray, according to former Prime Minister Olmert.
And it was all to save his own skin.
As a passionate moviegoer, I find that the film strongly implies that Netanyahu’s unwavering commitment to escalating the conflict in Gaza beyond recognition, even when critics sympathetic to Israel question the feasibility of completely eradicating Hamas, suggests a deception on his part. He seems to be using this hardline stance as a pretext for perpetuating the violence rather than a genuine goal.
Alexis Bloom, responsible for “Catching Fire: The Story of Anita Pallenberg” and “Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes,” is a skilled filmmaker who excels in structuring investigations into power expansion. She delves into Netanyahu’s past, tracing his childhood and the narrative of his life — his older brother, who led the “Entebbe raid” (he was similar to Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., with Bibi leveraging his brother’s heroism to launch his own career), and the incredible talent Netanyahu demonstrated as an Israeli communicator. I remember seeing him on “Nightline” and being impressed by his swift, compelling eloquence.
Inevitably, Bibi rose to the position of prime minister, yet as his stance against terrorism grew firmer, he started eroding the foundations of Israeli democracy. Not long ago, when he was attempting to diminish the power of the Supreme Court, the nation found itself in turmoil. This was marked by widespread protests. By then, his actions were clearly autocratic, and the documentary underscores that his heavy-handed rule during times of panic left Israel vulnerable, contributing to how the October 7 massacre occurred. At that time, the country’s defenses had weakened.
As a discerning film critic, I find “The Bibi Files” to be a compelling and crucial documentary. It vividly portrays how Benjamin Netanyahu has manipulated power, mirroring the tactics of leaders like Trump, to such an extent that he’s reshaped Israel in his own mold. However, it appears that Netanyahu is not the first ruler to employ war as a means to maintain his grip on power, and history suggests he may eventually face justice – with allegations of forging phone records now swirling around him.
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2024-11-18 06:47