Israel: Ministers of Chaos

Description

Synopsis

In the span of a year, Israeli democracy has faltered. From the judicial reform that deeply divided the country during the first nine months of the year to the war against Hamas following the tragic October 7 massacre by the terrorist organization, Benjamin Netanyahu’s government—the most right-wing in the country’s history—has further deepened internal divisions in Israeli society and led the nation to face its most severe existential threat since its founding in 1948.

Two men embody the radical initiatives of this government: Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, key ministers overseeing Internal Security and Finance, respectively. Once obscure figures on the international stage, they have gained prominence in recent months. They represent two ideological movements that were once considered fringe: Kahanism and Religious Zionism. Today, they are leveraging their influence to push forward an ideological agenda—imposing Jewish supremacist legislation in Ben Gvir’s case, and re-establishing biblical Israel in Smotrich’s case.

Who are these men? What are their goals? What are their backgrounds? This investigation delves into their strategy of sowing chaos to advance their ultimate objective: imposing Jewish law over “Greater Israel,” stretching from the sea to the Jordan River, and permanently annexing the West Bank, Gaza, and potentially beyond.

Director

Jérôme Sesquin