These documentaries about Israel show a nation steeped in millennia of history and cultural significance, from its ancient roots in biblical narratives to its modern-day geopolitical complexities, Israel’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and multifaceted identity.
Documentaries About Israel
Documentaries exploring the diverse facets of Israel provide a lens through which you can gain insights into its rich heritage, dynamic society, and the challenges it faces.
Although there are plenty of documentaries about Israel to watch, these 10 will give you a good overview of the nation.
Waltz with Bashir (2008)
Waltz with Bashir is an animated documentary film directed by Ari Folman and is a unique and powerful exploration of memory, trauma, and the impact of war, specifically focusing on the 1982 Lebanon War.
The documentary combines animation, interviews, and documentary footage to tell the story of director Ari Folman’s own experiences as an Israeli soldier during the war.
The narrative is framed around Folman’s attempt to recover his lost memories of the war, particularly the events surrounding the Sabra and Shatila massacre. The film delves into the psychological toll of war on individuals and societies, portraying how memories can be distorted or suppressed as a coping mechanism.
The animation in “Waltz with Bashir” is visually striking and serves to create a dreamlike atmosphere, emphasizing the surreal nature of war and its lasting impact on those who have experienced it. The film also incorporates interviews with fellow soldiers, journalists, and psychologists, adding a layer of documentary authenticity to the storytelling.
“Waltz with Bashir” received widespread acclaim for its innovative approach to documentary filmmaking, earning nominations and awards, including a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
The Gatekeepers (2012)
The Gatekeepers is a thought-provoking documentary directed by Dror Moreh and stands out as a powerful exploration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the eyes of the individuals who once held the position of head of Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service.
The documentary features in-depth interviews with six former directors of Shin Bet, offering a rare and candid look into their experiences, decisions, and reflections on the complex and enduring issues surrounding Israel’s national security.
The interviewees discuss their roles during critical moments in Israeli history, including times of conflict and political upheaval. Their narratives provide valuable insights into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by those tasked with ensuring the security of the nation.
“The Gatekeepers” paints a nuanced picture of the challenges inherent in balancing the imperative of national security with the ethical considerations and consequences of their actions.
The documentary utilizes archival footage, historical documents, and animated sequences to enhance the storytelling, creating a compelling narrative that not only delves into the intricacies of intelligence and security operations but also prompts viewers to contemplate broader questions about the nature of power, conflict, and the pursuit of peace in the region.
It has been praised for its balanced and engaging approach, sparking discussions about the complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of security agencies in shaping the nation’s destiny.
Five Broken Cameras (2011)
Five Broken Cameras is a poignant documentary co-directed by Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi that provides a deeply personal and gripping account of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through the lens of Emad Burnat’s cameras.
Emad, a Palestinian farmer, initially began filming to capture the growth of his youngest son, Gibreel. However, as the Israeli settlement of Modi’in Illit encroached upon his village of Bil’in in the West Bank, his focus shifted to documenting the resistance of the local community against the Israeli occupation.
The title “Five Broken Cameras” refers to the five cameras that Emad used to document events over the years, each damaged in the course of clashes and confrontations.
The documentary spans a period of several years, providing a chronological and personal narrative of the struggles faced by the residents of Bil’in as they peacefully protest the construction of the separation barrier and the encroachment of settlements on their land.
The film not only captures the physical toll of the conflict but also portrays the emotional and psychological impact on the individuals involved. It offers a rare and intimate perspective on the resilience of a community as they strive for justice and a better future for their children.
“Five Broken Cameras” received critical acclaim for its raw and unfiltered portrayal of the human cost of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2013.
Precious Life (2010)
Precious Life is a moving documentary directed by Shlomi Eldar that focuses on the story of a Palestinian baby, Mohammad Abu Mustafa, born with a life-threatening immune deficiency disorder. His condition requires a bone marrow transplant for a chance at survival, and the only hope lies in finding a compatible donor, who happens to be an Israeli.
The documentary follows the journey of Mohammad and his mother, Raida, as they navigate the complexities of the Israeli healthcare system, seeking treatment at Tel Aviv’s Tel Hashomer Hospital. The emotional and ethical challenges faced by both the Palestinian family and the Israeli medical professionals are central themes in the film.
As the narrative unfolds, “Precious Life” delves into the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, exploring the impact of political tensions and societal divisions on individual lives.
The film prompts you to reflect on the shared humanity that transcends political boundaries and underscores the universal desire for life, health, and well-being.
“Precious Life” received acclaim for its compassionate storytelling and its ability to humanize a conflict often viewed through a political lens.
The documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for empathy and collaboration even in the midst of deep-seated geopolitical conflicts, emphasizing the universal importance of preserving and cherishing life.
Wild Israel (2016)
Wild Israel is a 5-part documentary series about the wildlife and nature of the region and is one of the best documentaries about Israel to watch to learn more about the “wild side” of the nation.
From the spectacular shores of the Red Sea to the scorching heat of the Negev desert, Israel boasts a diverse array of natural landscapes. Explore the vast kaleidoscope of animal and plant life that populate its dramatic topography.
Start with episode one:
The Law in These Parts (2011)
The Law in These Parts is a documentary directed by Ra’anan Alexandrowicz that critically examines the legal framework that Israel established in the West Bank and Gaza Strip following the Six-Day War in 1967.
The documentary delves into the legal structures, military orders, and judicial mechanisms put in place by Israel to govern the occupied territories.
Key elements of the documentary include interviews with Israeli military legal professionals who played instrumental roles in creating and implementing these legal systems.
Through their perspectives, “The Law in These Parts” provides insight into the legal reasoning, challenges, and ethical considerations that shaped the Israeli military’s approach to administering the occupied territories.
The film raises important questions about the impact of such legal structures on the lives of Palestinians living under occupation. It scrutinizes the ways in which the legal system has been used to justify and legitimize policies that affect the daily lives of the Palestinian population.
The Oslo Diaries (2018)
The Oslo Diaries is a documentary film directed by Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan that provides a comprehensive and behind-the-scenes look at the secret negotiations that led to the Oslo Accords, a series of agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in the early 1990s.
The Oslo Accords were a historic development that aimed to address key issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the status of Palestinian territories, the establishment of the Palestinian Authority, and the recognition of Israel by the PLO.
The negotiations took place in Oslo, Norway, and were conducted in secret, leading to a surprising breakthrough in the peace process.
“The Oslo Diaries” utilizes a combination of archival footage, interviews, and personal diaries of the key players involved in the negotiations. It offers a nuanced exploration of the challenges, hopes, and setbacks faced by both Israeli and Palestinian negotiators during this critical period.
The film sheds light on the personal relationships and dynamics that played a role in the peace talks, as well as the geopolitical pressures that influenced the process.
By providing an insider’s perspective on the Oslo Accords, “The Oslo Diaries” contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities and intricacies involved in attempting to broker peace in one of the world’s most enduring and contentious conflicts.
Louis Theroux: The Ultra Zionists (2011)
Louis Theroux: The Ultra Zionists” is a documentary film that was part of the BBC Two documentary series “Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends.” Louis Theroux, a British documentary filmmaker and journalist, explores various subcultures and communities in his documentaries.
In “The Ultra Zionists,” Theroux investigates the lives and perspectives of some of the most extreme and passionate supporters of Israel in the West Bank.
He spends time with individuals and families who have settled in Israeli settlements, and the documentary delves into their motivations, beliefs, and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict making it one of the best documentaries about Israel to watch that explores the settler issue in the region.
Disturbing the Peace (2016)
Disturbing the Peace focuses on a group of former enemy combatants – Israeli soldiers from the elite unit and Palestinian fighters – who have come together to form the group Combatants for Peace. The organization advocates for a nonviolent resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The film follows the personal journeys of these individuals who, once involved in violence, decide to work towards peace and reconciliation. It provides a close look at their experiences, struggles, and efforts to bridge the divide between their communities.
“Disturbing the Peace” is known for its exploration of the human side of the conflict, highlighting the potential for change and reconciliation even in the midst of longstanding political tensions.
The Birth of Israel (2008)
The Birth of Israel is an excellent history documentary about Israel by the BBC. It focuses on the buildup to what led to the Israeli war of Independence and its lasting impact on the Middle East and between Israelis and Arabs.
This is one of the best documentaries about Israel to get a good insight into the beginnings of the nation of Israel.
Israel
Whether delving into historical accounts, contemporary issues, or the vibrant tapestry of its people, these documentaries about Israel offer a nuanced perspective on a nation that continues to be a focal point of global attention.
On a personal note, I have spent several months in Israel over many different visits and have explored the region in general, including visits to the West Bank and Gaza. I have met many friendly Israelis and many friendly Palestinians when there.
It’s a fascinating and complex place to visit with so much history. Let’s hope peace in the region can be found. Somehow.
For more on the region have a look at the 10 best documentaries about Egypt.
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