'The Bibi Files' is a documentary which examines the ongoing corruption investigations into Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Directed by Alexis Bloom and produced by Oscar-winner Alex Gibney, the movie is set to be featured at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and includes previously unreleased footage of Netanyahu and his family during police and SEC interrogations.
As reported by Channel 1, Netanyahu has requested that the Jerusalem District Court issue an injunction preventing journalist Raviv Drucker from broadcasting segments of these interrogations, which he claims are being aired illegally and without court approval.
The request for an ex parte order was denied by Judge Oded Shaham, who noted that the request came a week after the film's announcement. Drucker, one of the film’s producers, must respond to the court by September 11, 2024.
The film delves into Netanyahu's corruption cases, which include charges of breach of trust, bribery, and fraud, implicating his wife Sara and son Yair. It also explores the impact of these cases on Israeli politics, highlighting Netanyahu's efforts to retain power through political alliances and his attempts to influence the judicial system. The film's exposé is described as a journalistic investigation featuring new interviews with prominent Israeli figures, including former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and investigative journalist Raviv Drucker.
Netanyahu says that Drucker's broadcast of these interrogation clips constitutes a criminal offense under Israeli law, punishable by up to a year in prison. He accuses Drucker of using the criminal process to undermine his position and influence the judicial proceedings, adding that Drucker’s previous controversial media activities are evidence of bias.
As the film’s TIFF debut approaches, the legal battle continues, reflecting the intense scrutiny and polarized opinions surrounding Netanyahu’s legal troubles and political maneuvers.