January 8, 2025 – This is a movie that gives a lot of ammunition to those opposed to the political and military conduct of Israel during the rule of Prime Minister Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu. This documentary argues that Bibi's current policies, and Gaza War strategies, are largely governed by his desire to stay out of jail on corruption charges.

The documentary on Netanyahu includes a brief biography, including the major role his brother Yoni played in the famous raid on Entebbe (the subject of several movies, including “Raid on Entebbe” in 1977) which propelled Bibi into the national spotlight.

The most interesting thing about this movie is the extensive use of leaked interrogation videos of Netanyahu and others being questioned by police. These previously unseen videos include discussions about illegal gifts to Netanyahu, like Champaign, jewels and cigars. Compared to recent American corruption cases, these seem like trivialities, but more serious offenses are also investigated in the movie.

One of the more serious offenses in the movie is the allegation that Bibi used his influence to gain control over an influential news website “Walla! News” ensuring more positive news coverage for his administration and family. Netanyahu's radical right-wing son, Yair Netanyahu, also allegedly had input into Walla news coverage, according to the movie.

Another allegation hits pretty close to home in Hollywood, as Bibi used his influence to get a U.S. visa reinstated for billionaire Arnon Milchan, founder of the movie production company Regency Enterprises, credited with movies such as “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” “L.A. Confidential” and “Fight Club.” Milchan was investigated for giving expensive gifts to Bibi in return for favorable Israeli tax status.

The movie also argues that Bibi's wife, Sara, is also heavily involved in gift and influence schemes, as well as Israeli government policies. She, Bibi and son Yair all appear very defensive in interrogation footage, frequently attacking the legitimacy of the investigations, sometimes referring to the investigations as “Witch Hunts.” Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

Comparing the administrations of Netanyahu and Donald Trump is inevitable, since they are so similar in so many ways. Both rose to power through family connections, and are driven by the desire to escape legal penalties for their actions. One of Bibi's most controversial actions was not done in secret, but in the open, his plan to weaken the authority of the Israeli Supreme Court. It sparked months of huge protests across Israel in 2023.

The actions that Bibi is most hated for in Israel are well known in Israel, but not widely known in the United States. Bibi for years allowed up to $30 million per month to flow into Gaza, strengthening Hamas and weakening the Palestinian Authority (the alleged goal of this policy is to occupy all of the West Bank). That, along with massive intelligence and security failures by the Israeli government, led to the devastating October, 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.

The Hamas attacks led to the Israeli war against Gaza, which continues to this day. The movie argues that Netanyahu is using the war, along with other attacks against neighboring countries, to stay in power and to avoid legal consequences for corruption. The movie further argues that Bibi's policies are in direct conflict with America's two-state Palestine proposals. It also argues that as Bibi lost favor with moderates, he was forced to ally himself with radical anti-Palestinian forces in the government to stay in power.

Nimrod Novik, former advisor to Shimon Perez, says in the movie, “The (Israeli) public blames Netanyahu for October 7th as the one who fed the beast. He did not create Hamas, but he fed it ... There was no plan for ending the war of Gaza, bringing the hostages home, and changing dynamics in the region. And things only got worse.”

There are influential spokesmen in America who claim that if you don't support Israel 100 percent, you are an ally of Hamas, but there are a lot more sides to this issue than just those two. Bibi's inhumane war against Gaza is destabilizing the Middle East and spawning more radicals and terrorists who are attacking Western countries, including the U.S. It will only get worse.

This is not an easy movie to sit through. A lot of it seems repetitive and static. It is, however, a valuable documentary for those who want to understand Israel's government and the fighting in the Middle East. This film rates a B.

Click here for links to places to buy or rent this movie in digital formats, or to buy the soundtrack, posters, books, even used videos, games, electronics and lots of other stuff (no extra charges apply). I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

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