Six former heads of Israel's secret service spill secrets
Six former heads of Israel's secret service agency, the Shin Bet, discuss their organization's successes and failures since the Six Day War in 1967. The six men are all surviving former heads of Shin Bet, the Israeli security agency (also known as Shabak) whose activities and membership are closely held state secrets. Legally established in 1949 under the government of David Ben-Gurion, the organization initially focused on internal matters in a fledgling country beset by ideological divisions. Since the 1967 war, however, the biggest part of Shin Bet’s mandate has involved counterterrorism and intelligence gathering in the West Bank and Gaza.“The Gatekeepers” is in part a history of post-’67 Israel, in which familiar events are revisited from an unusual and fascinating perspective. The leaders of Shin Bet, who answer directly to the prime minister, are not part of the country’s military command structure. Nor, because of the clandestine nature of the agency, are they visibly part of the Israeli political establishment, though they sometimes function as public scapegoats when politicians make mistakes. Remarkable figures are included such as the fierce and bullying Avraham Shalom, now elderly, with an old man’s acid clarity and humor, and Yuval Diskin, who was the Shin Bet chief from 2005 until 2011, and has recently become an outspoken opponent of Netanyahu’s policies. These insiders reported directly to the Prime Ministers they served. They are all hyper-patriots who would do anything to save Israeli lives and to preserve the Jewish state. And they are convinced that Israel is on the wrong track—that the future is “dark,” as Shalom puts it; that Israel is turning into a colonial power policing a rapidly increasing population of Arabs within its borders.
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Impact in Action
"The Gatekeepers" serves as a powerful lens through which audiences can examine the complexities of Israeli security and the moral dilemmas faced by its leaders. This documentary features six former heads of the Shin Bet, the Israeli security agency, who share their insights and personal experiences, revealing the tragic consequences of policies that have shaped the nation's history since the Six Day War in 1967. By showcasing their candid reflections, the film invites viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about state power, counterterrorism, and the ongoing conflict in the region.The impact of "The Gatekeepers" extends beyond mere storytelling; it has sparked critical conversations about Israel's trajectory and the ethical implications of its actions. The documentary highlights the shift in Shin Bet's focus toward counterterrorism post-1967, a change that has profound implications for Israeli society and its Arab population. Notably, former heads like Avraham Shalom and Yuval Diskin express deep concerns about Israel's potential transformation into a colonial power, emphasizing that the future appears "dark" for the nation.With its compelling narrative and revealing interviews, "The Gatekeepers" challenges viewers to reassess their understanding of security, nationalism, and the human cost of political decisions. By shedding light on the inner workings of one of the world's most secretive agencies, the film not only informs public discourse but also influences policy debates, urging both citizens and leaders to consider the long-term consequences of their choices in the pursuit of safety and stability.
