Crossing the border from Jordan into Israel (the West Bank) proves difficult due to the political situation. The team has to navigate complex border security, leading to a rare moment where the presenters are genuinely unsure if they will be allowed to finish the film.
The special also spawned a book, "Top Gear: The Middle Eastern Special", which features behind-the-scenes photos and stories from the making of the episode. top gear middle eastern special
The Middle Eastern Special has become a beloved episode in the Top Gear canon, and its success paved the way for future specials, including the Amazon Prime series "The Grand Tour". The episode's blend of adventure, humor, and cultural exploration has made it a fan favorite, and it continues to be widely discussed and referenced among car enthusiasts and TV fans alike. Crossing the border from Jordan into Israel (the
What could possibly go wrong? Everything. Gloriously, explosively wrong. The Middle Eastern Special has become a beloved
The trio manages to reach Israel on Christmas Eve. They navigate the traffic and chaos of Jerusalem before finally arriving in Bethlehem. However, they cannot enter the town center due to a tank blockade (and the fact that they are a film crew). They stop on a hillside overlooking the town.