Documentaries, interviews and explainers exploring Israel, the Middle East and the people behind the news.
EXPLORE VIDEOS →Header photograph: Wadi Rum, Jordan — Harry Van den Bulck · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Cropped for display.
Follow the seven-year documentary journey exploring Israel’s elections and political landscape. Scheduled for release in 2028.
WATCH DOCUMENTARY PREVIEW →Image courtesy of Igal Hecht. Used with permission.
The Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023 changed lives across Israel and continue to shape the region. This collection brings together firsthand testimonies, documentaries, reporting and investigations — with original sources clearly identified.
Viewer discretion: Some reports contain disturbing footage or descriptions of violence, abduction and sexual assault. Images used on external-link cards may be illustrative rather than frames from the films.
A documentary examining the October 7, 2023 attacks on the roads of southern Israel, through recorded footage and the stories of people caught in the violence.
WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE ↗FEATURE FILM · INSPIRED BY REAL EVENTS
A dramatized portrayal of the first hours of the October 7 attacks in southern Israel, focusing on survival, fear and their human consequences.
VIEW FULL FILM ON PRIME VIDEO ↗Availability and rental or purchase options vary by country.
JERUSALEM INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE · DOCUMENTARY
Seven survivors share their firsthand accounts of the October 7 attacks, documenting experiences of fear, loss and survival.
VIEW FULL DOCUMENTARY ON APPLE TV ↗Viewing options and availability may vary by country.
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗ARTE · Survivor testimonies
Five survivors recount the attack on the Nova music festival and its aftermath.
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗BBC News · Survivor accounts
Survivors of the Nova festival recall the hours in which celebration turned into a fight for survival.
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗ARTE · Community documentary
An intimate portrait of Nir Oz, its residents and the enduring consequences of the attack. German-language edition; subtitle availability may vary.
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗ARTE Reportage · Remembrance
A look at how Israeli families and communities remember the attacks and live with their consequences.
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗KAN · Interactive investigation
A location-based reconstruction combining eyewitness accounts, video and a timeline of events in Nir Oz.
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗Associated Press · Firsthand testimony
Former hostage Yocheved Lifshitz recounts her abduction and captivity after her release.
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗Documentary · Women of October 7
Testimony and investigation concerning sexual violence during the attacks and in captivity. Content warning: graphic descriptions.
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗Magen David Adom · First responder testimony
A paramedic describes emergency response and efforts to save lives on October 7.
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗FRANCE 24 · Investigation
An investigation into warnings, preparations and the intelligence failures that preceded the attacks.
Reporting that examines footage recorded during the attacks and explains how evidence is assessed. Publication of source footage does not endorse the perpetrators or their messaging.
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗NBC News · Evidence
A news report showing footage recorded by an attacker and subsequently released by the Israeli military. Contains disturbing images.
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗Human Rights Watch · Verification
An examination of attack footage and how investigators assess and verify visual evidence. Contains disturbing material.
Conversations with journalists, experts and people whose stories deserve to be heard.
Behind every headline are people trying to live their everyday lives. From ordinary moments of community life to the uncertainty of living under the threat of war, these firsthand reports explore identity, coexistence, resilience and the human experiences behind the news.
Some reports open on their publishers’ websites because third-party embedding or republication rights have not been confirmed. Availability may vary by region. The views expressed in external reports belong to their respective makers.
This documentary explores Tel Aviv’s Mediterranean character, its history, migration, cultural diversity and everyday atmosphere.
Original report: SHOW ME THE WORLD · Watch at source ↗
A family describes choosing to build a future in a kibbutz near Gaza despite uncertainty about safety and the lasting impact of October 7.
Original report: REUTERS · Watch at source ↗
Jewish, Muslim and Christian residents reflect on identity, daily life and tensions in Jerusalem. The film presents perspectives shaped by the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
Original report: AL JAZEERA ENGLISH · Watch at source ↗
Residents describe the impact of missile sirens, shelters and continuing uncertainty on ordinary life.
Original report: NDTV · Watch at source ↗
A community marks the Jewish festival of Purim in an underground shelter amid missile alerts, finding moments of togetherness in uncertain circumstances.
Original report: EURONEWS · Watch at source ↗
Residents near the Lebanon border discuss the challenges of raising families and maintaining everyday life amid security concerns.
Original report: REUTERS · Watch at source ↗
Jewish and Arab emergency responders work side by side to save lives during a period of conflict, offering a perspective on cooperation and shared responsibility.
Original report: ARTE REPORTAGE · Watch at source ↗
Beekeepers in Gaza describe efforts to rebuild their livelihoods amid damaged agricultural land, lost equipment and the consequences of war.
Original report: FRANCE 24 · Watch at source ↗
Behind the headlines are families, journalists, health workers and communities living with the consequences of war. These reports explore daily life, displacement, loss and the struggle to rebuild. Each report reflects its original publication date and editorial perspective. Videos open at their publishers’ websites; playback and embedding rights vary by region.
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗AFP journalists document everyday life and reporting from inside Gaza amid severe restrictions on access.
ARTE / AFP · Watch report ↗
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗Families describe displacement, damaged neighbourhoods and attempts to sustain daily routines.
ABC News Australia · Watch report ↗
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗A report following families searching for loved ones missing after the war’s devastation.
ARTE Reportage · Watch report ↗
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗A report on food shortages and the difficulties civilians face obtaining basic necessities.
DW News · Watch report ↗
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗Personal accounts of grief, uncertainty and efforts to rebuild livelihoods and daily life.
DW News · Watch report ↗
In-depth documentaries and accessible explanations of Israel, its institutions, history and the wider region. Reports open at their original publishers where embedding is not confirmed. Historical films reflect the time in which they were made.
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗An archival 50-minute documentary examining military service, reservists and the IDF’s relationship with Israeli society. Historical perspective, not a guide to the present-day military.
Israel Film Service · Watch report ↗
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗DW speaks with Israeli parents about military service, anxiety and family life during wartime.
DW News · Watch report ↗
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗A short introduction to Israel’s proportional electoral system and how votes translate into parliamentary representation.
Center for Israel Education · Watch report ↗
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗A longer discussion of parties, elections, coalition negotiations and government formation with political scientist Ofer Kenig.
Israel Democracy Institute · Watch report ↗
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗Jewish, Christian and Muslim families share perspectives on life, faith and tensions in Jerusalem’s Old City.
DW News · Watch report ↗
WATCH AT SOURCE ↗An extended documentary tracing the city’s significance across Jewish, Christian and Muslim histories.
PBS · Watch report ↗
An animated explanation of how Iron Dome detects incoming rockets and attempts to intercept threats.
Historical maps and context for understanding territory and borders. This earlier explainer does not cover recent developments.
A historical introduction to the conflict, its competing national movements and key turning points. Published before recent events.
Explore the religious and historical significance of Jerusalem, sacred to Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Source: Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0
Illustrative photographs, not stills from the documentaries. Each linked Wikimedia Commons file page lists its photographer, source and reuse licence. Please retain all required attribution and licence terms.
Selected English-language reports and documentary footage on Israeli defence, military operations and hostage rescue. Military-released material is identified as such; inclusion does not imply independent verification or editorial endorsement.
Footage from combat operations in Gaza. The provenance and independent verification of individual clips may vary.
Original video: Watch at source ↗
A news compilation of fighting involving Israeli forces, Hamas and Hezbollah. Some material originates with parties to the conflict.
Original video: Watch at source ↗
A news compilation presenting footage released by opposing sides during fighting in Gaza. Individual claims require independent corroboration.
Original video: Watch at source ↗
Former Member of the Israeli Knesset | Rabbi, Author & Educator
Rabbi Dov Lipman is a former member of Israel’s Knesset, rabbi, author and educator. His presentations and interviews explore Israeli government, Jewish identity, religion and society. These selected videos are shared with his permission. The views expressed belong to the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Beyond the Lines.
Former Israeli Knesset member Rabbi Dov Lipman appears on the Ben Shapiro Show to discuss his commentary on Israeli politics and public debate.
Rabbi Dov Lipman speaks at a Toronto Federation of Teachers in Hebrew Schools celebration, reflecting on Israel’s significance and how its history and identity are taught to younger generations.
Former Knesset member Rabbi Dov Lipman delivers a keynote address at Mizrachi Canada’s Israel Independence Day celebration in Toronto.
Watch this presentation by Rabbi Dov Lipman on the original YouTube player.
Former IDF Soldier | Community Leader | Humanitarian Advocate
Chaim Malespin is a former Israel Defense Forces soldier involved in community and humanitarian initiatives in Israel, including work connected with the Aliyah Return Center and The Faithful Galileans. These selected videos explore immigration, community support, remembrance, security and faith-based projects, reflecting the perspectives of their original creators.
Selected videos shared with Chaim Malespin’s permission. The views expressed are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the editorial position of Beyond the Lines. Security updates reflect the time they were recorded.
Chaim Malespin reflects on October 7 and remembrance. This video presents the contributor’s perspective.
Original video: Watch on YouTube ↗
A personal reflection on the past three years, presented from Chaim Malespin’s perspective. Originally published as part of the Swords of Iron video series; check the original upload date for historical context.
Original video: Watch on YouTube ↗
A contributor update addressing developments involving Lebanon and Israel’s northern border. Recorded at the time of publication.
Original video: Watch on YouTube ↗
A contributor reflection relating to the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah. Originally published as part of the Swords of Iron video series; check the original upload date for historical context.
Original video: Watch on YouTube ↗
Beyond the Headlines
Discovering the landscapes, cultures, history and people beyond the headlines.
Beyond conflict and politics lies a region of extraordinary beauty, ancient civilizations, diverse cultures, and remarkable human stories.
At Beyond the Lines, we believe that understanding the Middle East means looking beyond the conflicts that dominate international headlines.
From breathtaking landscapes and historic cities to remarkable architecture, ancient traditions, and the everyday lives of its people, the region holds stories that deserve to be discovered and shared.
Through documentaries and visual storytelling, we explore not only the challenges facing the Middle East, but also its beauty, cultural richness, diversity, and humanity.
Because there is always more to a place, and its people, than the headlines reveal.
Journey through Jordan’s remarkable landscapes and cultural heritage, from the ancient city of Petra and the Roman ruins of Jerash to the dramatic desert scenery of Wadi Rum and the waters of the Dead Sea. A visual exploration of the country’s history, traditions and natural beauty.
Original video: Suitcase Monkey · Watch on YouTube ↗
Beyond the political headlines lies a country of extraordinary natural diversity. From the Sea of Galilee and the waterfalls of northern Israel to the Ramon Crater, the Dead Sea and the Negev, this visual documentary explores Israel’s mountains, deserts, coastlines and nature reserves.
Original video: Edge of Earth · Watch on YouTube ↗
Discover Oman’s dramatic mountain ranges, ancient fortresses, golden deserts, turquoise waters and cultural traditions. This documentary travels through historic cities, breathtaking landscapes and everyday life, exploring the people, heritage and natural beauty of the Arabian Peninsula.
Original video: CoolVision · Watch on YouTube ↗
From the ancient ruins of Baalbek and the historic port of Byblos to the cedar forests, Qadisha Valley and Mediterranean coastline, explore Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage and remarkable landscapes. This travel documentary offers a visual perspective on the country beyond conflict headlines.
Original video: Planet Vista 4K · Watch on YouTube ↗
Explore Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage, from the sandstone formations of AlUla and the Arabian Peninsula’s historic sites to modern cities and the Red Sea coast. This travel documentary introduces places, traditions and perspectives beyond the familiar headlines.
Original video: Epic Odyssey · Watch on YouTube ↗
Concise educational videos and essential context.
Individual experiences, told in their own words.
Context. People. Perspectives. Beyond the Headlines.
