New Documentary 'Mr. Almost' Reexamines Shimon Peres and Bitter Rivalry with Rabin
A new documentary series, "Mr. Almost," reexamines Shimon Peres's political legacy, focusing on his bitter rivalry with Yitzhak Rabin and the enduring label of Israel's ultimate political loser.
A new documentary series by Avi Maor Marzouk, "Mr. Almost", places the persistent label of Israeli politics' ultimate "loser" attached to Shimon Peres at its core. The three-part series follows the dramatic political struggles between 1984 and 1996, offering a deep and complex perspective primarily on the bitter rivalry with Yitzhak Rabin.
The series provides a rare glimpse into Peres's emotional world and the deep rift with Rabin, who famously dubbed him an "unceasing plotter." It quotes Haim Ramon describing Peres as a "great statesman and a small politician," while portraying Rabin as constantly working to undermine Peres during the turbulent battle for the leadership of the Alignment.
Alongside historical milestones like the "stinking maneuver" and the Oslo Accords, figures like Yossi Beilin present a multifaceted portrait of Peres. The descriptions oscillate between a foundational security-minded man and a visionary leader plagued by political blindness, highlighting his profound internal contradictions.
Rather than settling the subjective question of whether Peres was a "loser," the series examines how this image impacted the public and his 47 years in office. "Mr. Almost" raises sharp questions about the boundaries of political maneuvering, vision versus intrigue, and the heavy price of ambition.
