The Shocking Reality in the West Bank: Film Reactions

I didn’t see it coming. A film addressing the West Bank situation—it’s viral, for sure. Mixed reactions lingered: appreciation, disappointment, gratitude, and anger about what the film revealed. It kept spreading across social media, with many expressing shock that this is happening. Yet, there was also a sense of “finally.” Finally, mainstream British television is acknowledging the situation.

This film acted as a follow-up to my documentary from 2010, titled Ultra Zionists. Back then, I explored Israeli religious nationalist communities in the West Bank, which has been under military occupation since the six-day war in 1967. The Israeli government equipped these communities with thousands of firearms, leading to an increase in violence against Palestinians, along with property destruction and harassment.

We envisioned the film as a sort of travelogue through military-occupied territories. Over two trips, each a bit over a week long, I traversed the West Bank with director Josh Baker and producers Sarah Obeidut and Matane Cohen. We ventured into settler areas, interviewing various viewpoints. I came across people like Ari Abramowitz, from Arugot Farm—a tourist spot deep into the occupied territories. He was born and raised in Texas but moved to Israel as a young adult, gaining citizenship through his Jewish background. For our interview, he donned an assault rifle and a handgun, leading me on a tour of the land while claiming that Palestinians “do not exist.”

I also met Daniela Weiss, who is often referred to as a “God Mother” of settler projects. This spirited 79-year-old has been lobbying the government for over fifty years, raising funds both locally and globally, and advocating for a vision that encompasses a fully Israeli region, subtly urging Palestinians to either accept their situation or leave.

Weiss welcomed me into her suburban home in the Kedumim settlement, adorned with books and family photos. Pointing to a map on her wall, she claimed that parts of Lebanon, Jordan, and other neighboring countries belonged to a Greater Israel. She shared her vision of creating forward bases for religious Israelis, seemingly unfazed when I mentioned that, under international law, settling civilians in occupied territories is a war crime. I also noted that some Israeli security experts disapproved of extreme settlers’ tactics, which she shrugged off.

During an event advocating for a Jewish-only settlement in Gaza, Weiss passionately argued that Palestinians should relocate to other countries. On another visit to the Gaza border, she brought along a famous rabbi, who spoke of the need to “cleanse” the land. The film’s climactic scene featured a heated exchange between Weiss and me on the hills of Eviatah, a newly recognized village by the Israeli state.

Walking through checkpoints and navigating obstacles, I couldn’t shake off memories from a prior visit fourteen years prior. The same two-tier society loomed large: Jewish settlers enjoy protections under Israeli civil law, while Palestinians live under a fluctuating military regime, with closed roads making daily life challenging. Everyday indignities like queueing and passport checks, accompanied by fears of settler violence, form the backdrop of life here.

The film sparked immediate reactions when it aired—mostly positive reviews and extensive online discussions. Some critics felt my approach highlighted a new “severity.” They pointed out the moment I called Daniela Weiss “socially disabled.” Was I really more assertive? I’m not entirely sure, but I think the gravity of our discussion certainly shaped that encounter.

Some outlets criticized the focus on certain extremists, suggesting it misrepresented the broader community. A reviewer remarked that Weiss was a “crackpot.” Conservative environmentalist Ben Goldsmith likened her to British fringe figures, indicating the extremities don’t encapsulate the entire society. Yet, this perspective overlooks that similar figures in Israel hold substantial sway within the government, impacting policies from law enforcement to financial decisions.

Others posed questions about why hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, already displaced or descended from refugees, weren’t sufficiently represented. An impending second displacement looms, as elements within the settler and Israeli state advocate for further relocations, making life increasingly untenable for Palestinians.

Subtly, an analysis emerged questioning, “Why focus on Israel?” The implication is that similar atrocities occur globally, and highlighting religious nationalist extremism might inadvertently draw out anti-Semitic sentiments. I take that responsibility seriously.

But the urgency here lies in recognizing that West Bank settlers might foreshadow societal development in Western nations. Historically, both left and right in Israel have supported the settler agenda, but now it’s being embraced by populist leaders who share their nationalist and anti-democratic tendencies. Coincidentally, the documentary aired around the same time as Israel’s National Security Minister, a settler himself, was being hosted at Mar-A-Lago. Films about extreme settlers aren’t just relevant to the Middle East; they reflect issues that concern us too.

Global responses to the settlers have largely been supportive, but some elements are starting to fade. As Peter Oborne astutely reviewed, “The film suggests there is nothing new about the situation in the occupied West Bank.” Those attentive to the facts are probably aware—this is just another layer to Israel’s complex narrative.

A particularly distressing outcome from our film involved Palestinian activist Issa Amuro, who has lived in Hebron under Israeli military occupation since 1968. We documented his experiences in what the Army terms a “sterile zone.” Shortly after the film aired, Issa shared online that he faced harassment from settlers and soldiers at home. Our team reached out to provide support as best as we could.

Scholar Hamza Yusuf noted that the outrage over the film reflects how effectively the media has shielded the public from the harsh realities of Israeli occupation. While I take pride in our film, I recognize that no documentary can fully portray the ongoing struggles faced in the West Bank. The evacuation and harassment often go far beyond what we could capture.

I’m thankful for the response and encourage people to read more about these issues. While I’m glad our film was able to present some truth, I often wish we could share even more.”