'The Bibi Files': The documentary on Netanyahu's corruption scandal

A documentary on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial has captivated audiences worldwide, drawing attention to his legal battles, his family's involvement, and his relationship with the media.

The Bibi Files, directed by Alexis Bloom, features leaked footage of Netanyahu’s police interrogations over corruption charges.

These interviews, dating back to 2023, offer an inside look at the questioning of the Israeli leader, who is accused of accepting gifts from wealthy businessmen in exchange for political favours.

The documentary also includes interviews with close associates, including Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and the widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, who allege that Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, demanded expensive gifts.

Bloom, who previously worked on We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks and Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes, explained that the documentary’s roots trace back to a leak to producer Alex Gibney in spring 2023. Gibney received a message from an anonymous source via Signal, offering access to police interrogation footage of Netanyahu.

“I have some interesting material. Would you like to look at it?” the message read. Bloom was later brought on to help turn this footage into a cohesive narrative.

Netanyahu has vehemently denied the corruption charges. On the stand during his trial, he described the accusations as "a complete lie."

“It’s totally independent of what is happening on the outside,” Netanyahu told TIME in an interview last August, rejecting accusations that his actions in office were aimed at prolonging the war to stay in power.

In The Bibi Files, Israeli investigative journalist Raviv Drucker argues that Netanyahu’s actions, including his alliance with far-right political groups, are driven by a desire to escape criminal charges.

"The engine is the corruption cases," Drucker says at the start of the film. "And it all started with the fact that the prime minister does not respect the law... After the catastrophe of the 7th of October, the war became another instrument to stay in power."

The documentary provides context to Netanyahu's political career, touching on his rise to power following the 1997 death of his brother, Yoni, which shaped Netanyahu's image as "Mr. Security" — the figure who could protect Israel.

Sara and Yair Netanyahu are shown as central figures in the corruption scandals, playing crucial roles in influencing political appointments and handling public relations.

Sara is implicated in Case 1000, which involves the receipt of expensive gifts such as cigars, jewellery, and champagne worth $200,000, while Yair is associated with Case 4000, involving a reported quid pro quo between Netanyahu and the head of the telecommunications company Bezeq.

The film also addresses the Netanyahu family's influence over Israeli media, particularly their alleged control of the Walla news website. "Netanyahu wants to control the message," Bloom said, reflecting on Netanyahu's longstanding obsession with the media. "He is obsessed with the media, and so is his wife. There is nobody in Israel who would say otherwise."

The documentary also touches on Netanyahu’s attempts to block its screening in Israel, where it is banned due to privacy laws. However, Bloom noted that the film has been widely pirated within the country. "It’s like wildfire," she said, with many in Israel sharing the film on platforms such as WhatsApp.

Despite these obstacles, Bloom has expressed her hope that the documentary will resonate with international audiences. She explained, “It would be very useful for the international community to understand that Netanyahu is not Israel and that criticizing Netanyahu is a perfectly valid thing to do."

The Bibi Files provides an in-depth look at Netanyahu's political manoeuvring, examining how his legal battles intersect with his leadership. Bloom and her team sifted through more than 1,000 hours of footage to create the documentary, which is set for a December 11 release. While its future in Israel remains uncertain, its international release is already sparking widespread debate about the limits of political power and media control.