Louis Theroux’s “The Settlers” and the Escalating Israeli Settler Movement
British journalist Louis Theroux revisited the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with his 2025 BBC documentary, “The Settlers,” a follow-up to his 2010 film “Ultra Zionists.” The new documentary examines the growth of the Israeli settler movement in the West Bank, particularly in the wake of the October 7th attacks. Theroux’s approach centers on exploring the motivations and ideologies of those involved, while acknowledging the complexities and sensitivities of the situation.
A Return to a Region in Conflict
In 2010, Theroux initially interviewed ultra-nationalist Jewish settlers for the BBC documentary “Ultra Zionists,” focusing on their belief in a religious and political obligation to populate the West Bank. “The Settlers” revisits this landscape, investigating how the movement has evolved and intensified. Speaking after a screening at CPH:DOX, Theroux described the experience as intensely impactful, particularly given the context of ongoing wartime conditions.
Exploring “Human Weirdness” and Ideological Extremes
Theroux’s operate often focuses on what he terms “human weirdness” – the ways in which individuals engage in behaviors that appear illogical, immoral, or controversial. In “The Settlers,” this manifests as an exploration of the religious nationalist ideology driving the expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank. He noted the imposition of this ideology within what he described as a “prison” environment, supported by a significant military presence.
Daniella Weiss: A Central Figure
A prominent figure in the documentary is Daniella Weiss, an Israeli politician and founder of Nachala, a far-right organization dedicated to establishing Israeli settlements. Over three decades, Weiss has been directly involved in the creation of dozens of outposts – settlements built in the West Bank without legal authorization. Weiss openly discusses plans for full occupation of the West Bank and the relocation of Palestinians.
Weiss defends Israelis’ rights to occupy the West Bank and claims a direct line of communication with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. She too dismisses reports of settler violence as manipulated footage portraying reactions to provocation. Theroux described Weiss as “the godmother of the settler movement,” noting her “joy” in pursuing her mission.
The Ethics of Documentary Filmmaking and “Platforming”
Theroux addressed concerns about “platforming” controversial figures like Weiss, arguing that a documentary approach – involving extensive interviews and careful contextualization – differs significantly from simply providing a platform on a podcast or other media. He emphasized the importance of portraying the complexities of the subject matter and “doing a good job” with the storytelling. He also acknowledged the limitations of the documentary, stating that it wasn’t able to document the “very worst” of what was happening.
Acknowledging the Imbalance of Power
Theroux recognized the criticism that the documentary focuses primarily on the perspectives of Israeli settlers, with limited representation of Palestinian voices. He acknowledged this imbalance but defended his approach, stating that the film is one contribution to a larger body of work addressing the conflict. He also pointed out that those “with the guns” – those with military power – are the ones who have maintained the occupation of Palestinian territories for over 60 years.
The Personal Toll of Reporting from Conflict Zones
Theroux reflected on the emotional impact of working in a war zone, emphasizing the need to maintain a degree of detachment. He acknowledged the “regrettable privilege” of being able to move on from the situation, contrasting his experience with that of war correspondents who face ongoing trauma or a compulsion to return to the front lines. He expressed pride in documenting a story he believed deserved attention.
Background: The Israeli Occupation of the West Bank
The West Bank has been under Israeli military occupation since June 7, 1967, following its capture from Jordan during the Six-Day War. The International Court of Justice and, with the exception of East Jerusalem, the Israeli Supreme Court, have affirmed the West Bank’s status as occupied territory. As of 2025, over 700,000 Jewish Israelis reside in approximately 279 settlements, ranging from large cities to small, unauthorized outposts.