Sofia De Vera combines a heartfelt passion for cinema with over 15 years of critiquing for esteemed film publications, wielding academic credentials from the University of Southern California and New York University, to serve as your personal guide through the enchanting worlds of film and television. Her full guest bio can be found here.
War cinema is a realm where myths and legends of formidable figures are not simply penned in ink or sketched in pencil, but vividly recreated and immortalized on the silver screen. And among this genre, Israeli war movies hold a distinct place, encapsulating stories of the catastrophic conflict that marked an era and forever changed a nation.
Israeli cinema has a rich history of depicting the complexities of war, both in terms of the individual soldiers who fight in them and the impact of these conflicts on Israeli society. From the early years of the state to more recent conflicts, Israeli filmmakers have used the medium of film to explore the psychological and emotional toll of war and its political and historical significance.
In this article, we will explore some of the best Israeli war movies made, looking at how they capture the experiences of soldiers and civilians alike, and how they shed light on the larger issues that have shaped Israel’s military conflicts over the years. From classics of Israeli cinema to more recent offerings, these films offer a unique perspective on the complexities of war and its aftermath.
These heroes may inspire us to be a better version of ourselves; thus, lessons from the past – taught via war movies such as those set in Vietnam, France, and Germany – help positively transform today’s society. We also have put together our favorite films set in Israel if you would like to learn more about this intriguing nation…or just bite the bullet and explore Israel with these best multi-day tours!
Wondering where to watch? It depends on where you live in the world and which streaming services you have. We link to the streaming service we watch on in each case - be it Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, or elsewhere.
You can get one month free of Amazon Prime (or a 6-month trial for students) of Amazon Prime and also get immediate access to FREE Two Day shipping, Amazon Video, and Music. While you won't be charged for your free trial, you'll be upgraded to a paid membership plan automatically at the end of the trial period - though if you have already binged all these, you could just cancel before the trial ends.
Apple TV+ also has a one-week trial, and Hulu has a one-month trial (which can be bundled with Disney!). Another option might be using a VPN to access Netflix titles locked to other regions. Netflix is now available in more than 190 countries worldwide and each country has a different library and availability. US Netflix is (understandably) one of the best.
While we wish everything could just be in one place - for now, it seems these are the best streaming platforms to watch on.
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Cup Final (1991)
Directed by Eran Riklis, Cup Final is a war drama exploring the unlikely bond between an Israeli soldier and a Palestinian militant. Riklis is an accomplished Israeli filmmaker known for his poignant and politically-charged films.
The movie takes place during the 1982 Lebanon War, where an Israeli tank crew is sent to capture a Lebanese town. When one of the soldiers, Cohen (Moshe Ivgy), is left behind by his unit, he is forced to team up with a group of Palestinian fighters who have also been stranded. Together, they attempt to make their way back to Israel, all the while evading enemy fire and trying to survive in a war-torn landscape.
The film is based on the real-life events of the 1982 Lebanon War, a major conflict between Israel and Lebanon, and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). The war was sparked by the assassination attempt on the Israeli ambassador in London by the PLO and lasted for nearly two months. The film’s depiction of the unlikely bond between Cohen and the Palestinian fighters is a testament to the humanity that can exist even in dire circumstances.
If you enjoy war movies that explore the human side of conflicts, then Cup Final is a film you should definitely check out. The unlikely bond between Cohen and the Palestinian fighters provides a powerful message of hope and the potential for reconciliation, even in the most difficult of circumstances.
Kippur (2000)
Kippur is a war film directed by Amos Gitai. Gitai is a prominent Israeli filmmaker who has directed over 50 films, including documentaries and feature films. His works often deal with Israel’s political and social issues, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The film is based on the true events of the Yom Kippur War, which took place in 1973. The war was fought between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria. The conflict was a surprise attack by the Arab forces on Israel during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. The film follows the story of two Israeli soldiers, Weinraub and Ruso, who are sent to the front lines to assist the wounded soldiers.
The film portrays the horrors of war and the toll it takes on the soldiers involved. The scenes are raw and visceral, depicting the brutality of combat and the emotional trauma it inflicts on those who participate in it. The film is not just about the war but also explores the soldiers’ struggles and the impact of war on their relationships.
Kippur’s realistic and raw portrayal of the war, combined with the personal struggles of the soldiers, makes for a powerful viewing experience. The film is a reminder of the cost of war and the toll it takes on those who fight it. It is a moving and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Kedma (2002)
Kedma is an Israeli film that Amos Gitai also directed. This time, he deals with the war that gave Israel its independence from the British. While not as lauded as Kippur, Kedma is still a fabulous war film and a great addition to Gitai’s work.
The plot of Kedma takes place in 1948 during the Israeli War of Independence. The film follows a group of Jewish Holocaust survivors who have recently arrived in Palestine and are recruited to join the fight for Israeli independence. The group encounters various obstacles and challenges as they journey towards their destination, including clashes with British soldiers, Arab militants, and internal disagreements within their ranks.
The film is based on the historical event of the same name, which refers to the arrival of Jewish immigrants to Palestine on the ship Kedma in May 1948. The immigrants were met with hostility and violence from British soldiers and Arab militants, resulting in many deaths and injuries.
Kedma offers a truly unique perspective on the Israeli War of Independence. Rather than focusing solely on military tactics and battles, the film explores the experiences and struggles of ordinary people caught up in the conflict.
The film offers a thought-provoking commentary on the complexities of Israeli society and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Overall, Kedma is a must-see film for anyone interested in the history and politics of the region, as well as fans of war movies.
Waltz With Bashir (2008)
Waltz With Bashir is an animated documentary film directed by Ari Folman. Folman is an Israeli film director, screenwriter, and film score composer. He has directed several documentaries and feature films, including Saint Clara (1996) and The Congress (2013). His films have won numerous awards, including Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globe Awards for Waltz With Bashir.
The film tells the story of Folman’s experiences as a soldier in the Israeli army during the 1982 Lebanon War. The plot centers around Folman’s attempt to recover his lost memories of the war and the massacre at the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps. The film is unique because it uses animation to recreate the events of the war and Folman’s memories.
By the time Folman was recruited, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict had been ongoing since the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. The Sabra and Shatila massacre was a particularly brutal event that occurred during the war. Lebanese Christian Phalangist forces, with the support of Israeli troops, entered the Palestinian refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila and killed between 800 and 3,500 Palestinian and Lebanese civilians.
Waltz With Bashir offers a unique perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, using animation to recreate the events of the war and the memories of the soldiers who fought in it. The film is a powerful and thought-provoking examination of the trauma of war and the long-lasting effects it can have on those who experience it firsthand. Waltz With Bashir is a must-see for anyone interested in war movies, animation, or even documentary filmmaking.
Lebanon: The Soldier’s Journey (2009)
Lebanon: The Soldier’s Journey is a war drama film directed by Samuel Maoz, an Israeli film director and screenwriter. Maoz is a former soldier who served in the Israeli Defense Forces during the 1982 Lebanon War, which serves as the backdrop for this film. Maoz’s experience in the war inspired him to make this movie, which won the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival.
The film’s plot revolves around a group of young Israeli soldiers sent to Lebanon during the 1982 war. The movie primarily takes place inside a tank that the soldiers are assigned to, and it follows their experiences as they struggle to cope with the horrors of war. The war lasted for around three months and resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, mostly civilians. The film depicts the brutal reality of war and the emotional toll it takes on soldiers.
Lebanon: The Soldier’s Journey is a powerful and realistic portrayal of the horrors of war and the emotional toll it takes on soldiers. The movie is unique in that it takes place entirely inside a tank, which creates a sense of claustrophobia and intensifies the film’s emotional impact.
The cinematography is exceptional, with the camera often focusing on the faces of the soldiers to capture their fear and anguish. Lebanon: The Soldier’s Journey is an intense and unforgettable film that will appeal to war movie fans.
The Gatekeepers (2012)
The Gatekeepers is an Israeli documentary film directed by Dror Moreh. Moreh is an Israeli film director, producer, and writer, known for his documentaries about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He has won numerous awards for his work, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature for this very film.
The plot of The Gatekeepers centers around the Israeli security agency, Shin Bet, and the six former heads of the organization interviewed in the film. The documentary delves into the operations and methods of the agency, as well as the personal experiences and opinions of the six interviewees.
They discuss their roles in Shin Bet during some of the most tumultuous times in Israel’s history, including the 1967 Six-Day War, the first and second intifadas, and the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
The film portrays the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the role of Shin Bet. Shin Bet is Israel’s domestic intelligence agency, responsible for counter-terrorism, intelligence gathering, and internal security. The agency has been involved in numerous controversial actions, including targeted assassinations, torture, and interrogation of Palestinian prisoners.
The Gatekeepers offers a unique and insightful perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The film provides a nuanced and complex view of the conflict, highlighting the difficult decisions made by the leaders of Shin Bet. It is a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful documentary that offers a rare glimpse into the human cost of war and the difficult choices made in times of crisis.
Apples from the Desert (2014)
Apples from the Desert is a drama film directed by Arik Lubetzky and Matti Harari. Lubetzky is an Israeli filmmaker who has directed several documentaries and feature films, including Under the Same Sun and A Tale of Love and Darkness. Harari is also an Israeli filmmaker who has directed numerous TV shows and documentaries.
The film follows the story of a rebellious teenager, Rivka, who lives with her ultra-orthodox Jewish family in Jerusalem. Despite her family’s strict religious beliefs, Rivka longs to explore the secular world and find her path. When her grandfather falls ill, Rivka is sent to live with her non-religious grandmother in the desert, where she discovers more about herself and her family’s past.
The film is based on a historical event known as the Yemenite Children Affair. In the early 1950s, thousands of Yemenite Jewish immigrants were taken from their parents in Israel and placed in state-run institutions. Many of these children were later adopted by Ashkenazi families, causing controversy and conspiracy theories surrounding the fate of these children. The film explores this sensitive topic through the story of Rivka and her family.
While Apples from the Desert is not a war movie, it is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the themes of identity, family, and cultural traditions. If you enjoy war movies, you may appreciate the film’s exploration of complex historical events and their impact on families and communities.
Junction 48 (2016)
Junction 48 is an Israeli drama film directed by Udi Aloni, an Israeli-American filmmaker, writer, and visual artist. Aloni has directed and produced several critically acclaimed films, including Forgiveness (2006) and Art/Violence (2013). He is known for his socially and politically engaged art and movies that often tackle issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the struggle for human rights.
The film’s plot revolves around Kareem (Tamer Nafar), a young Palestinian rapper from the city of Lod, who dreams of making it big in the music industry. Kareem faces many challenges in his pursuit of fame, including racism, poverty, and violence. As he rises to fame, Kareem finds himself caught in a conflict between his community and the Israeli authorities.
Junction 48 is based on the life and music of Tamer Nafar, a Palestinian rapper and one of the founders of the hip-hop group DAM. The film also draws inspiration from real-life events, particularly the Second Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation from 2000 to 2005.
Junction 48 is a great film for anyone interested in delving deeper into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on ordinary people. The film is a powerful and emotional portrayal of the struggles faced by Palestinians living under Israeli occupation, and the resilience and creativity of those who resist oppression through art and music. Junction 48 is a thought-provoking and engaging film that sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Sand Storm (2016)
Sand Storm is a film directed by Elite Zexer, an Israeli filmmaker who has made several award-winning short films before this feature debut. Zexer’s works often explore themes of gender and identity, and she has been recognized for her distinct style and sensitivity in handling complex subjects.
The film takes place in a Bedouin village in southern Israel and follows the story of a mother and daughter, Jalila and Layla, who struggle to navigate the patriarchal traditions of their community. Jalila, a strong-willed and traditional woman, is dismayed when she learns that her husband has taken a second, much younger wife. Meanwhile, Layla, her daughter, is caught between her desire to pursue her own dreams and her duty to respect her family’s wishes.
Sand Storm is based on the real-life experiences of Bedouin women in Israel, who face significant challenges as they try to reconcile their traditions with modernity. The film highlights the struggle of women to assert their independence and agency in a society that values male dominance and control.
While Sand Storm is not a war movie per se, it does touch on themes of conflict and oppression that will likely appeal to those who enjoy films set in conflict zones. The film offers a unique perspective on the experience of women in a society where patriarchy and tradition are deeply ingrained, and it does so with sensitivity and nuance. Ultimately, Sand Storm is a powerful and thought-provoking film that is well worth watching.
Foxtrot (2017)
Foxtrot is an Israeli drama film directed by Samuel Maoz. Maoz is an Israeli filmmaker who served as a gunner in the Israeli Defense Forces during the 1982 Lebanon War. He later became a filmmaker, creating documentaries and narrative films that explore the human experience of war and trauma.
The film tells the story of an Israeli family, the Feldmanns, who receive the devastating news that their son, Jonathan, has been killed in action while serving in the Israeli army. The film is divided into three parts, each exploring a different aspect of the family’s grief and trauma.
The first part focuses on the initial shock and disbelief of the parents upon hearing the news. The second part follows Jonathan’s fellow soldiers as they guard a remote checkpoint in the middle of the desert, where they are forced to confront the boredom and absurdity of military life. The final part returns to the Feldmann family as they come to terms with their loss and attempt to move on with their lives.
While the film is fictional, it draws heavily on Maoz’s experiences serving in the Israeli army during the Lebanon War. The film is dedicated to Maoz’s own son, who served in the military and survived a similar checkpoint incident.
Foxtrot is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective on the experience of war and its impact on individuals and families. The film’s portrayal of the absurdity and monotony of military life is particularly striking, as is its exploration of the complex emotional landscape of grief and trauma.
Scaffolding (2017)
Israeli filmmaker Matan Yair directs the movie Scaffolding. Yair started his career as a teacher before pursuing film. His first feature film, Scaffolding, won the Best Israeli Feature Film award at the 2017 Jerusalem Film Festival. The film is based on the historical events of the Second Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation that began in 2000 and lasted for several years.
Scaffolding follows the story of a troubled 17-year-old student named Asher, (played by Asher Lax), struggling to find his place in the world. He works for his father’s scaffolding business during the day and attends a school for troubled youth in the evenings.
Asher’s life takes a dramatic turn when his literature teacher, Rami (played by Ami Smolartchik), takes a personal interest in him and encourages him to pursue his literary talents. However, their relationship is tested when Rami reveals his past involvement in a violent protest against the Israeli government.
If you enjoy war movies, you should watch Scaffolding for its exploration of the effects of conflict on individuals. While it is not a traditional war movie, the film delves into the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and people’s personal struggles.
The performances by the actors are exceptional, and the film’s cinematography captures the gritty reality of working-class life in Israel. Overall, Scaffolding is a thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective on a complex historical event.