Keshet International has secured worldwide distribution rights to “Murder at the Dead Sea,” a new 7x60’ Israeli crime thriller starring Niv Sultan, as part of its 2026 scripted slate. Produced by Yoav Gross Productions for Keshet 12, the high-stakes drama is currently in post-production and will debut on the Israeli broadcaster on December 22, 2025.
Kelly Wright, Keshet International’s Managing Director of Distribution, said: “’Murder at the Dead Sea’ is a high-end thriller that reinvents the locked-room mystery for today’s global audience. It features a stunning and exotic location, twisty plot, and an outstanding performance from Niv Sultan. We’re thrilled to showcase this murder mystery series at the London TV Screenings as part of our 2026 lineup.”
Karni Ziv, Head of Drama and Comedy at Keshet 12, added: “We think Keshet 12 viewers are going to love this contemporary reimagining of the classic Agatha Christie whodunnit set in a COVID hotel by the Dead Sea, because it combines the taut suspense of ‘And Then There Were None’ with the cinematic storytelling of ‘The White Lotus.’”
Created by Raz Yuvan and directed by Tomer Shani, “Murder at the Dead Sea” takes place in a quarantined hotel at the height of the pandemic, nestled in the stark landscape of Israel’s Dead Sea. The plot centers on the sudden death of pop icon Sarah Hacohen, whose body is found after falling from the ninth floor. Initially ruled a suicide, the case quickly reveals itself as something far more sinister. Niv Sultan portrays young police investigator Revi Shem-Tov, who must navigate a tangle of lies, betrayal, and hidden motives among a group of isolated strangers — each with secrets potentially more dangerous than the virus outside.
The title will be officially launched at the 2026 London TV Screenings, where buyers will get a first look at the tape and format. “Murder at the Dead Sea” joins a strong lineup of premium scripted titles previously showcased by Keshet International, including “A Body that Works,” sold in nearly 100 territories; “Conflict,” which has been licensed in over 40 countries and won multiple Golden Venla Awards; and “Unconditional,” set to premiere soon in Israel.
Keshet 12 continues to bolster its drama offering with recent commissions including “Red Alert,” a four-part October 7 drama that became Israel’s most-watched scripted title of the past decade, viewed by nearly one-third of the population. Other standout productions include “Nutuk,” a mystery driven by reincarnated memories, and the romantic comedy “Save the Date,” which has been renewed for a second season.
“Murder at the Dead Sea” is positioned to be a standout in the international market, leveraging Israel’s strength in high-quality suspense storytelling and the global appeal of locked-room mysteries with a modern twist.