The Iron Wall: Israel and the Arab World by Avi Shlaim

Review by Nico Zviovich

The Short

This exhaustive book comprehensively recounts every major event in Arab-Israeli history since the establishment of Israel and how interpretations of Ze’ev Jabotinsky’s “Iron Wall” philosophy play a central role in Israel’s decision making throughout. 

The Long 

The Iron Wall is an essential read for anyone interested in reading a comprehensive and balanced analysis of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Particularly, this book analyzes Israeli-Arab relations through the lens of the “Iron Wall” doctrine, a hardline philosophy that promotes Israel negotiating with the Arab world through a position of military strength. It covers everything from philosophical debates within the Zionist movement to the conflicts and compromises that have come to define modern relations between Israel and the Arab world.

To read or not to read? 

Read. While this is a long read, it is essential for anyone who wants a comprehensive account of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from the founding of Israel to today.