Khirbet Khizeh: A Novel by S. Yizhar

Review by Tom Cummins

A beautiful piece of Israeli literature documenting the moral struggle of young soldiers just following orders as they destroy an Arab village during the 1948 war.

The Long 

A common trope amongst troops committing crimes against civilians in a war zone is that they were “just following orders.” Khirbet Khizeh follows a day in the life of a young IDF member in his hesitance to act on his unit’s orders to clear and burn the eponymous Palestinian village. Steeped in symbolism, emotion, and strong dialogue, the day’s events make for a captivating story. A component of Israeli primary school curriculum for many years, the novel has caused significant controversy within the Jewish state and as such should be part of anyone studying the Levant’s library.

To read or not to read? 

This novel is definitely worth your time. It can be read in a couple hours and presents an intriguing perspective on growing up at war.