Lior Raz

Lior Raz is an Israeli actor, screenwriter, and producer who has become a global face of Israeli television. He is best known for co-creating and starring as Doron Kabilio in the hit Netflix series Fauda, a role that turned him into an international star.

Raz's career spans stage, film, and streaming. After years in Israeli theater and minor film roles, he broke through with Fauda in 2015, which earned critical acclaim and a devoted worldwide audience. He followed it with the action thriller Hit & Run and the unscripted travel series Off Road. As of 2026, he is gearing up for the final season of Fauda, premiering September 8, 2026.

Known for his intense, physically demanding performances and a deep fluency in Arabic, Raz brings a rare authenticity to his roles. Fans connect with his gritty, emotionally raw portrayals of complex characters, making him one of Israel's most recognizable cultural exports. [edit]

Lior Raz was born in Ma'ale Adumim, a settlement near Jerusalem, to a family of Iraqi and Algerian Jewish descent. His father worked for the Ministry of Defense, and his mother was a teacher. Growing up in a security-conscious environment shaped his worldview and later his craft.

At 18, Raz enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces and was selected for Sayeret Matkal, the elite special forces unit. He served for several years, participating in classified operations that would later inform his work on Fauda. The experience gave him a firsthand understanding of the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

After his military service, Raz studied acting and began performing on stage. He took on roles in Shakespeare's Macbeth and other theater productions, honing his craft. During this period, he also worked as a bodyguard for high-profile clients, including Arnold Schwarzenegger while filming The Last Stand. These early jobs, both on stage and in security, built the physical and emotional toolkit he would later bring to his screen roles. [edit]

Raz's breakthrough came in 2015 when he co-created Fauda with journalist Avi Issacharoff. The series, which he also starred in as Doron Kabilio, premiered on Israeli television and later reached a global audience on Netflix. It became a cultural phenomenon, praised for its gritty realism and nuanced portrayal of both sides of the conflict.

Following the show's success, Raz expanded into Hollywood. In 2019, he appeared in Michael Bay's action film 6 Underground, playing a member of a vigilante squad. In 2021, he headlined the Netflix thriller Hit & Run, which he also co-created and produced. The show was renewed for a second season, though it was later canceled.

In 2025, Raz starred in the unscripted Netflix travel documentary Off Road alongside Rotem Sela, showing a lighter side. The show followed the duo on a road trip across Israel, blending personal reflection with scenic exploration. In 2026, he appeared in the film Tuner, playing an Israeli gangster in New York, and announced that Fauda Season 5 would premiere on September 8, 2026. The final season was reworked to address the events of October 7, 2023, adding a layer of urgency to the storyline. [edit]

Lior Raz's public image is built on rugged intensity and a no-nonsense demeanor, both on and off screen. He rarely appears in tabloids, preferring to let his work speak for itself. In interviews, he comes across as thoughtful and direct, often discussing the political dimensions of his projects. Fans appreciate his authenticity, particularly his willingness to portray the moral complexities of Israeli soldiers. His social media presence is understated but engaged, with a following of nearly 460,000 on Instagram. Raz's style, often seen in military jackets and tactical gear, mirrors his characters, but he also cleans up well for red carpets. He is viewed as a national icon in Israel, admired for bringing Israeli stories to a global stage. [edit]

Lior Raz stands as the 84th most famous person in Israel and the 59th most famous person from Israel, positions he holds steady within the iFANN Global Fame Rankings. These placements reflect a career that has transcended regional boundaries to become a defining voice in global television. His journey from the elite Sayeret Matkal unit to the screen of Netflix has created a unique cultural footprint, where his authenticity resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. The fanbase surrounding him is organic and decentralized, driven primarily by the intense narrative of *Fauda* rather than a formal club or organized campaigns. While there is no official name for his supporters, they are united by an appreciation for his gritty realism and the moral complexities he brings to every role. A story fans still retell involves his time working as a bodyguard for Arnold Schwarzenegger on the set of *The Last Stand*, a detail that bridges his military past with his Hollywood present. More recently, his legend has been shaped by real-world events; following the October 7 attacks, Raz became a symbol of collective resilience, openly discussing how the conflict influenced the rewriting of *Fauda*'s fifth season. He bluntly stated that "there are no happy endings," grounding the show's final chapters in the harsh reality of ongoing war. This shift from entertainer to a figure representing national trauma marks the current peak of his influence, anchoring his legacy not just in fiction, but in the lived experiences of the people he portrays.[edit]

Lior Raz is fluent in Arabic, a skill he developed during his military service and uses extensively in *Fauda*. He once worked as a bodyguard for Arnold Schwarzenegger on the set of *The Last Stand*, a fact often cited as a bridge between his early life and acting career. His real-life experience in Sayeret Matkal is frequently mentioned as the reason his action scenes feel so authentic. An avid motorcycle rider, he has been spotted cruising his bike through Tel Aviv, and in his spare time, he enjoys playing chess to help him focus. Raz is also a licensed pilot, though he rarely flies commercially. Beyond these established facts, a legendary aspect of his public persona emerged after the October 7 attacks. In May 2026, he recounted the harrowing experience of evacuating families under fire at an MDA event, a story that transformed his image from a mere actor into a representative of national trauma. This period marked a significant shift, with Raz stating that the show's new script reflects the harsh reality of the ongoing war, famously declaring that "there are no happy endings." His recent announcement regarding the September 8, 2026 release date for *Fauda* Season 5, filmed in Budapest, continues to drive anticipation among viewers who follow his work closely.[edit]

Lior Raz is married to Israeli actress Meital Dahan. The couple met through their work in the entertainment industry and have been together for over two decades. They have two children, and the family splits their time between Tel Aviv and the countryside. Raz often credits Dahan as his anchor, saying she keeps him grounded amid the chaos of his career. His parents, both retired, live in Ma'ale Adumim, and he remains close to his siblings. The family is known to be private, but Raz occasionally shares glimpses of their life on Instagram, including holiday gatherings and casual moments at home. [edit]

Lior Raz is married to actress Meital Dahan, who has appeared in several of his projects. He co-created Fauda with journalist Avi Issacharoff. He has worked with Rotem Sela on the travel series Off Road and with Leo Woodall on the film Tuner. [edit]

Lior Raz has been married to actress Meital Dahan for over two decades. The couple met in the early 2000s through mutual friends in the Israeli entertainment industry. They married in a private ceremony and have two children together. Dahan has appeared in several of Raz's projects, including Fauda and Hit & Run, and the two are known for their strong professional partnership.

Raz has not been publicly linked to anyone else during his marriage. The couple maintains a low profile, rarely discussing their personal lives in interviews. As of 2026, they remain married and are often seen together at industry events. Their relationship is considered one of the most stable in Israeli showbiz. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Lior Raz's net worth is estimated at $8 million as of 2026. His primary income sources include his work as an actor, writer, and producer. The success of *Fauda* has been a major financial driver, with Netflix licensing fees and international distribution adding significantly to his earnings. Raz also earns from his role in *6 Underground* and other film and TV projects. Beyond acting, Raz has a production company that develops Israeli content, which contributes to his wealth. He has made real estate investments in Israel, including a home in Tel Aviv. His recent projects, such as *Hit & Run* and *Off Road*, have kept his income steady. While exact figures are private, industry sources suggest his net worth has grown steadily over the past decade, reflecting his rising international profile.[edit]

Lior Raz has received critical acclaim for his work, particularly for 'Fauda'. While he has not won major international awards like Oscars or Emmys, he has been recognized within the Israeli industry. He has won several awards at the Israeli Academy Awards, including Best Actor for his role in 'Fauda'. His performance has also earned him nominations from international bodies, though specific wins are not widely documented. [edit]