“Red Alert,” a four-part scripted series depicting Hamas’ 2023 attack on Israel, will premiere on Paramount+ Oct. 7 to mark two years since the tragedy.
All four episodes of the series will release on Paramount+ globally and on Keshet 12 in Israel. Created, written and directed by Lior Chefetz (“The Stronghold,” “Sky Raiders”), “Red Alert” was produced by Keshet International and Oscar nominee Lawrence Bender, along with Green Productions and the Israel Entertainment Fund.
The series will portray the real-life events of Oct. 7, 2023, when over 1,200 people were killed and 250 kidnapped near the Gaza border. “Drawing from the true experiences of those who survived, the series weaves their courageous personal stories into a cinematic narrative of the devastating terrorist attack that turned southern Israel into a war zone, testing humanity and forging heroism through chaos,” a press release reads.
“Red Alert” follows several civilians whose lives intertwine on the fateful day, including “Bat Sheva (Rotem Sela), a mother forced to flee with her two daughters as her son is taken into Gaza; Ohad (Miki Leon), a father who becomes a tragic symbol of sacrifice as he fiercely protects his family; Ayoub (Hisham Suleiman), a grieving father who loses his wife and is forced to hide with his baby behind enemy lines; Nofar (Chen Amsalem), a Border Police officer caught in the massacre and injured while defending others, alongside colleague Liat (Rotem Abuhav); Kobi (Israel Atias), an anti-terrorism officer who runs directly into hell to save his wife; and Tali (Sara Vino), a devoted mother who transforms into an unlikely hero while searching for her injured son, Itamar (Nevo Katan),” the release continues.
Paramount CEO and chairman David Ellison said in a statement that the series “highlights Paramount’s continued commitment to storytelling through artistic excellence and accuracy. This critical series cinematically captures the horrific terrorism that stunned the world on Oct. 7 with harrowing precision and inspires with these true-life stories of heroism and heartbreak. We thank Avi, Keshet and Lawrence for trusting us with their vision.”
The announcement of the series comes after Paramount condemned a petition in which nearly 4,000 industry figures — including Emma Stone and Joaquin Phoenix — pledged not to work with Israeli film institutions over the ongoing war in Gaza.
“We do not agree with recent efforts to boycott Israeli filmmakers. Silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality does not promote better understanding or advance the cause of peace,” Paramount chief communications officer Melissa Zukerman said in a statement. “The global entertainment industry should be encouraging artists to tell their stories and share their ideas with audiences throughout the world. We need more engagement and communication — not less.”