HBO orders Cedar-directed series based on 2014 kidnapping of Israeli teens

The series will focus on an Israeli Shin Bet security investigator dealing with both Israeli and Palestinians reactions to the kidnapping of the Israeli teens.

OCTOBER 6, 2016 16:52

Updated: OCTOBER 8, 2016 20:21

Eyal Yifrah, Gil-Ad Shaer and Naftali Fraenkel (L-R). (photo credit: REUTERS) — Eyal Yifrah, Gil-Ad Shaer and Naftali Fraenkel (L-R).

(photo credit: REUTERS)

HBO and Keshet International (KI) are co-producing a new drama set in Israel from In Treatment and The Affair creators Hagai Levi and Noah Stollman.

Based on actual events, the untitled series, which has earned a 10-episode commitment, dramatizes the tragic torrent of violence that followed the disappearance of, and intensive search for, three Israeli teens abducted by Hamas in the summer of 2014.

The show follows an idealistic investigator for the Shin Bet as he deals with the ramifications of violent reactions on both sides of the escalating conflict.

The series will be filmed in Israel with production starting next summer and will primarily be directed by Israeli filmmaker Joseph Cedar (Beaufort, Footnote). It will be executive produced by former HBO president Michael Lombardo.

“We’re excited to work with Keshet and this extremely talented and creative group led by Hagai Levi. We look forward to sharing this important story with our subscribers,” HBO’s President of Programming Casey Bloys said in a statement.

Added Levi, “HBO has always been a home to me.

I’m so thrilled to work with them again, and regroup with my good friends from Keshet.