‘The Bibi Files’: Leaked Interrogation Footage Exposes Netanyahu’s Corruption and Its Far-Reaching Consequences
The 2024 documentary “The Bibi Files,” directed by Alexis Bloom and produced in collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker Alex Gibney, has been screening in theaters across Japan since November 2025, drawing packed houses daily in Tokyo and other cities. The film delves into the long-running corruption scandal surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—known widely as “Bibi”—using leaked police interrogation videos as its core evidence to reveal how personal greed and ego have contributed to political instability in Israel.
Netanyahu was indicted in November 2019 on charges of bribery, breach of trust, and fraud—the first time in Israeli history that a sitting prime minister faced criminal charges while in office. The trial, which remains ongoing as of late 2025, involves allegations that Netanyahu accepted lavish gifts (such as cigars, champagne, and jewelry) from wealthy associates in exchange for political favors, while also attempting to influence media coverage in his favor. The documentary frames these acts not as isolated incidents but as symptoms of a deeper character flaw that has rippled outward to affect national policy and security decisions.
Bloom’s direction stands out for its bold use of the leaked footage—raw, unedited interrogation sessions provided to producer Gibney before the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. The film weaves these videos together with interviews from retired politicians, journalists, and former associates who serve as “guides” to contextualize the scandal. One interviewee emphasizes the necessity of following the trial: “People need to follow the trial to understand the chaotic situation of Israel today.”
Photo caption: Benjamin Netanyahu featured in a scene from “The Bibi Files.” (Courtesy of the filmmakers)
From Luxury Gifts to Family Dynamics: How the Film Builds a Shocking Portrait
“The Bibi Files” opens with seemingly petty details—exchanges of expensive cigars, champagne, and other luxury items between Netanyahu, his wife Sara, a former aide, and super-wealthy benefactors—before expanding into a comprehensive examination of behaviors and motivations captured in the interrogation videos. The footage reveals tense exchanges, defensive postures, and glimpses into family involvement, painting a picture of a leader preoccupied with self-preservation and personal gain.
Bloom skillfully employs the videos to let faces and voices speak volumes, creating what the reviewer describes as a progression where “dots become lines that then become waves.” This visual eloquence connects disparate elements: the corruption allegations, Netanyahu’s attempts to overhaul Israel’s judicial system (seen by critics as an effort to shield himself from prosecution), his coalition with ultraright-wing parties, and the domestic political disarray that followed. The film then bridges these personal scandals to the national level by incorporating news footage of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, civilian casualties, and the ongoing uncertainties surrounding peace.
The documentary’s power lies in its refusal to rely solely on narration or speculation. Instead, it presents the raw material—interrogation clips, archival news, and expert commentary—to allow viewers to draw connections themselves. This approach underscores how Netanyahu’s alleged corruption may have eroded institutional trust and contributed to the fractured political environment that shaped Israel’s response to security threats.
Barred in Israel, Limited in the U.S., Yet Thriving in Japan: The Film’s Uneven Global Footprint
Despite its explosive content, “The Bibi Files” faces significant hurdles in certain markets due to Israeli privacy laws, which require explicit consent from individuals appearing in video recordings. While interrogation transcripts are publicly available in Israel, the actual footage is tightly restricted. As a result, the film is barred from official screening in Israel and has not received regular theatrical or streaming distribution in the United States. These barriers highlight the tension between public interest in political accountability and individual privacy rights.
In contrast, the documentary has found a receptive audience in Japan, where theaters report consistently full houses since its November 2025 release. This success reflects Japan’s strong interest in international political documentaries and the film’s ability to offer a cohesive narrative amid fragmented media coverage of Netanyahu’s scandals and the Gaza conflict. The packed screenings in Tokyo underscore the work’s effectiveness in making complex geopolitical issues accessible and emotionally resonant through personal stories and visual evidence.
The film’s international reception varies: while some praise its bravery and comprehensive storytelling, others note the challenges of distributing sensitive material involving a sitting world leader. Its limited availability in key markets has not diminished its impact where it can be seen, particularly as a cautionary tale on the intersection of personal ethics and state power.
A Vital Public Service: Connecting Personal Corruption to National Crisis
“The Bibi Files” stands as more than a recounting of a corruption trial—it serves as a stark illustration of how individual character flaws can amplify into national and regional turmoil. By linking Netanyahu’s alleged self-serving actions to the formation of extreme coalitions, judicial reform controversies, and the escalation of conflict in Gaza, the documentary argues that understanding the personal is essential to grasping the political. Alexis Bloom’s direction, bolstered by Alex Gibney’s involvement, exemplifies courageous documentary filmmaking in an era when access to raw evidence is increasingly contested.
Despite setbacks in distribution, the film performs a public good by synthesizing scattered media reports into a coherent, visually compelling whole. Its popularity in Japan demonstrates the universal appeal of such investigative works, offering viewers outside Israel a window into the forces shaping one of the world’s most scrutinized political figures and conflicts. In an age of polarized information, “The Bibi Files” reminds audiences of the value of primary-source evidence and unflinching examination, making it a noteworthy addition to contemporary political cinema and a compelling reason to seek it out in theaters where available.
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