Louis Theroux’s ‘The Settlers’: A Timely Documentary Examining the Israeli Settlement Movement

A Crucial Return to the West Bank
Louis Theroux has made a significant return to the West Bank in his latest BBC documentary titled ‘The Settlers’, where he investigates the growing ultra-nationalist community of Israeli settlers.
The 2025 BBC documentary film, part of Louis Theroux’s BBC Two specials, explores illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank and features interviews with both Palestinians and Israeli settlers, including prominent far-right Zionist settler Daniella Weiss.
Critical Reception and Impact
The documentary has received strong critical acclaim, with publications including the Financial Times, The Independent, and The Times awarding it 4 out of 5 stars. Social media reactions have been predominantly positive.
Theroux’s distinctive documentary style has been praised for its objectivity – he doesn’t make judgments for his audience or offer direct retorts. Instead, he presents viewpoints and allows his subjects to make their case, making his approach both disarming and effective.
Behind the Scenes
The documentary was filmed over three weeks in late 2024, during which Theroux conducted interviews and observations with both Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank and members of the Israeli settler movement.
Current Relevance
The documentary has taken on additional significance since October 7 and the Israel-Gaza war. There have been increased reports of settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, while the movement attempts to establish itself in destroyed areas of Gaza.
While the film features conversations with Israelis, Palestinians and foreign activists, it should be noted that it isn’t presented as an exhaustive history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Rather, it offers a timely window into one of the most contested regions in the world through Theroux’s characteristic lens.