ocial Sciences
›
Kindle$7.99
Available instantly
Audiobook
$14.95Available instantly
Read sample
Audible sampleFollow the author
Dov WaxmanDov Waxman
Follow
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: What Everyone Needs to Know
by Dov Waxman (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (534)
Part of: What Everyone Needs To Know? (158 books)
See all formats and editions
No conflict in the world has lasted as long, generated as many news headlines, or incited as much controversy as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Yet, despite, or perhaps because of, the degree of international attention it receives, the conflict is still widely misunderstood. While Israelis and Palestinians and their respective supporters trade accusations, many outside observers remain confused by the conflict's complexity and perplexed by the passion it arouses.
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: What Everyone Needs to Know® offers an even-handed and judicious guide to the world's most intractable dispute. Writing in an engaging, jargon-free Q&A format, Dov Waxman provides clear and concise answers to common questions, from the most basic to the most contentious. Covering the conflict from its nineteenth-century origins to the latest developments of the twenty-first century, this book explains the key events, examines the core issues, and presents the competing claims and narratives of both sides. Readers will learn what the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is all about, how it has evolved over time, and why it continues to defy diplomatic efforts at a resolution.
Read less
Review
"Waxman draws on his command of history, diplomacy and politics to untangle what is surely the most challenging quandary in the Middle East since the Gordian knot, and he dispenses his solid expertise in short bursts of clear and highly illuminating prose." -Jonathan Kirsch, The Jewish Journal "A standing ovation is the only reasonable response to Dov Waxman's The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: What Everyone Needs to Know, as well as heartfelt thanks for addressing all the questions we are afraid everyone knows the answers to but us."- Foreword Reviews
Review
"Waxman draws on his command of history, diplomacy and politics to untangle what is surely the most challenging quandary in the Middle East since the Gordian knot, and he dispenses his solid expertise in short bursts of clear and highly illuminating prose." -Jonathan Kirsch, The Jewish Journal "A standing ovation is the only reasonable response to Dov Waxman's The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: What Everyone Needs to Know, as well as heartfelt thanks for addressing all the questions we are afraid everyone knows the answers to but us."- Foreword Reviews
From the Publisher
Dov Waxman is the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Professor of Israel Studies at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and the director of the UCLA Y&S Nazarian Center for Israel Studies.
About the Author
Dov Waxman is the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Professor of Israel Studies at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and the director of the UCLA Y&S Nazarian Center for Israel Studies.
Read less
Product details
ASIN : B07PMT54XF
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Accessibility : Learn more
Publication date : 1 April 2019
Language : English
File size : 1.6 MB
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Not Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 283 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-0190625351
Page Flip : Enabled
Part of series : What Everyone Needs To Know?
Best Sellers Rank: 146,487 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)11 in Middle Eastern History Textbooks
12 in International Relations Textbooks
27 in International Diplomacy (Books)
Customer Reviews:
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (534)
TopAbout this itemSimilarFrom the AuthorQuestionsReviews
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: What Everyone Needs to Know®About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Follow
Dov Waxman
Dov Waxman is the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Chair of Israel Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). From 2000-2004, he was the director of the UCLA Y&S Nazarian Center for Israel Studies. Before joining UCLA, he was the Stotsky Professor of Jewish Historical and Cultural Studies and the director of the Middle East Center at Northeastern University. He was previously an associate professor at the City University of New York, an assistant professor at Bowdoin College, and a visiting professor at the Middle East Technical University. He has also had visiting fellowships at Oxford University, Bar-Ilan University, Tel Aviv University, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He graduated from Oxford University and received his Ph.D. and M.A. from the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. His research and writing focus on the Israel-Palestine conflict, contemporary antisemitism, Jewish politics, Israeli politics, and U.S.-Israel relations. He is the author of four books: The Pursuit of Peace and The Crisis of Israeli Identity: Defending / Defining the Nation (2006), Israel’s Palestinians: The Conflict Within (2011), Trouble in the Tribe: The American Jewish Conflict over Israel (2016), and The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: What Everyone Needs to Know (2019). His writing has also been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, Haaretz, The Forward, The Atlantic, Time, Slate, Foreign Policy and many other places. He also appears regularly as a commentator for major media outlets including CNN, NBC, MSNBC, FOX News, CBS, PBS, BBC, Al Jazeera, Bloomberg TV, NPR.
Read less about this author
Products related to this item
Sponsored
===
From Australia
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
From other countries
luther
2.0 out of 5 stars Where is the bibliography section in this book????Reviewed in Canada on 10 July 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Just received this book and already see that Mr Waxman does not quote any bibliography or other sources which makes the book a doubtful piece of information. Sad that a professor of political science lacks the basis of research techniques.
Report
Karen Q
5.0 out of 5 stars I am better informedReviewed in the United States on 26 November 2023
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
The was started Oct 7 and I acknowledged again my feeling of ignorance on the conflict between Israel and Palestinians. This is not the time for ignorance as an excuse. I researched best books on the subject and turned to commentary on some. I then searched Amazon and many of the titles appeared. I do not remember if this title was included in my research. But I decided I needed to define perimeters and the qualifications of the author seemed my best path. Then I decided to hone in on a Jewish writer because an intelligent subject -expert ( topic of this Two-party conflict) was a starting point. I chose a Jewish writer because Jews are encouraged to be self-critical. Credentials became the second criteria. This author and the positive reviews led me to select this book.
Early pages of the book convinced me I was correct in my choice. He organized the book by questions he'd discussed with students and his outline was excellent. Also, he warned that all writers bring a part of themselves to their subject, regardless of the intent to be neutral. He asks his reader to beware of the possibilities of his bias. I was SOLD.
His writing style is readable. He does not insult his writer. He does not over complicate to aggrandize himself. He provides a balanced assessment of the built each side as well as a clear assessment of why the weaknesses exist.
I have come away with a greater understanding and new impressions. I appreciate Doc Waxman and his deep balanced understanding of this subject and the education he provided.
13 people found this helpfulReport
Polly Pocket
5.0 out of 5 stars Objective and factualReviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 May 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Excellent objective book that gives the facts in good detail
Report
T.J. Carson
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant even-handed MUST-READ bookReviewed in the United States on 18 March 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Brilliant even-handed MUST-READ book on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Don’t listen to the reviews that scream about the book being anti-Israel or anti-Palestinian. They are just people locked into a simple-minded black-and-white view of this conflict. This book will provide you the knowledge to have a much better understanding of this century plus long conflict without all the bias.
2 people found this helpfulReport
S. J. Blackburn
4.0 out of 5 stars Balanced, clear and detailedReviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 December 2024
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I didn't know much about the conflict and I wanted a book which was balanced. This book is excellent and should be read by all the protesters who think they are 100% right and the other side are 100% wrong. It is, of course, tragic to read about the missed opportunities and the intransigency of both sides.
Report
J R
5.0 out of 5 stars Important contribution to the challenges of the Israeli-Palestinian conflictReviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 February 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Offers great insight into an age old conflict. Provides an excellent historical account of the conflict and is very objective on past problems and the likelihood of an eventual resolution to the problems of the Israeli - Palestinian conflict.
Report
jeff hooke
4.0 out of 5 stars Good review of this important topicReviewed in the United States on 5 May 2024
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Shoul dbe required reading for policymakers and journalists, Jeff Hooke.
One person found this helpfulReport
ian lowry
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 February 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Well worth reading. Unbiassed.
Report
David Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars The most comprehensive, unbiased book out thereReviewed in the United States on 7 April 2024
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
My favorite reading material is the modern history of the Middle East. There are biased books out there and books that are not very comprehensive. This is written by a Jewish author but very unbiased. He lays it all out, good and bad and is very thorough. I see some reviews that are negative. These must be the people that are biased and take a side regardless of the facts. The book is well written and tells of the pain and destruction created both sides. Since the Palestinians had their land taken, it has basically been "tit for tat" in retaliation from both sides - and continues today - with the war in Gaza.
I truly applaud the author for not taking sides and telling it like it happened.
8 people found this helpfulReport
M. J. Stewart
5.0 out of 5 stars Clear, unbiasedReviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 July 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Recommended as a fair, unbiased explanation of the Middle East conflict. Son found it very helpful
Report
Jennifer fredrick
5.0 out of 5 stars History of IsraelReviewed in the United States on 11 March 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Bought for my son who wanted to learn the basic no bias history. He said it is perfect and he has learned a lot from it. I have not read it but he gives it a 5.
Report
Placeholder
5.0 out of 5 stars Balanced Intro bookReviewed in the United States on 3 February 2025
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Definitely a small Jewish slant, but has no problem detailing how the Jewish people have contributed to the conflict. Very well written. Gives enough detail to inform beginners and intermediates to the topic. Great beginning book! Talks about a variety of topics. Highly recommend.
Report
Victoria G
4.0 out of 5 stars A BALANCED VIEWReviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 December 2023
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is a very relevant book to be reading at the moment. Reading and listening to as much as you can from many different sources is important as there are so many misconceptions about the Israeli-Palastinian conflict. Although this book is written by an Israeli, albeit one who lives in the US, and was written before the current crisis, it gives a very balanced view of the history and events leading up to it. I would highly recommend to anyone who is wanting to gain a better understanding of this highly complex subject.
3 people found this helpfulReport
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Objective presentation of the factsReviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 July 2024
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
The author does a pretty good job of presenting the facts - it is only in the final chapter that he presents some opinions on what might be workable to bring peace to a troubled region. The book contains a lot of information, but it is well arranged into topic areas. I found it useful - the current conflict gives rise to lots of claims and counter claims, much of which is misleading, but this book clearly describes the major issues and the history that underpins the conflict and traces it all back to the birth of Zionism. If you want something that goes beyond the 10 minute news stories and beyond the eyecatching videos on social media, this book is great at explaining the context that is usally missing.
One person found this helpfulReport
Peter S
5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone should read thisReviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 November 2023
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
The unspeakable atrocities of 7 October 2023 and the currently ongoing horror of the subsequent Israel-Hamas war made me realise that I needed to know more about the background. I chose this book as reviews seemed unusually free of accusations of bias and partisanship from either or both sides.
The book takes the form of a series of FAQs and the (usually pretty extended) answer to each looks closely and sympathetically at how each side sees that question. It’s far too easy with this conflict to take sides by simplifying the issues, by listening to only one side or by trying to make the facts fit the conclusions you want to reach. I was struck by Amos Oz’s summary that it’s a clash of right v right or, too often, of wrong v wrong. That’s why everyone should read it, especially those most aligned with one side or the other.
The conclusions are bleak and the events of the past six weeks and the immediate future will almost certainly intensify this. An African proverb says that when elephants fight, the ants get trampled. Nowhere else on earth is this more tragically and intractably true.
12 people found this helpfulReport
Eli G.
2.0 out of 5 stars Inconsistent.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 October 2024
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
The author Dov Waxman, says from the outset that he tries to stick to the facts throughout without bringing opinion into it. He does say that this is very difficult to do, and that personal bias will always come through one way or another.
For much of the book he does keep to this, especially in the historical narrative pieces. It is presented very much as "X happened, the Israelis say because of Y, the Palestinians say because of Z".
However, on numerous occasions - he deviates and does quite openly gives his own view or simply only presents one side of the argument on a key concept.
A notable example is when he says on page 60: "This [The Holocaust] has reinforced a sense of victimhood among Israeli Jews and exacerbated their fear and insecurities, sometimes leading them to exaggerate threats and overreact to perceived dangers".
However you choose to look at this - it is a speculative statement. It has no verifiable fact.
Another notable example is in the section "The occupied territories" when he discusses the treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank e.g. entry/exit requirements, the legal system etc. It is presented very much as hardship of the Palestinians and discrimination. However, no counter narrative is offered in this section from the Israeli perspective. He simply concludes: "However one might try to explain or justify it, this is legal discrimination". That may be true, but it is simply not balanced to omit the Israeli defense for doing so.
(Although other parts of the book make reference to Israeli security concerns, the author explicitly says that this book can be ready sequentially OR as pick and choose Q&A. Therefore it is not fair to assume that points you have made elsewhere will be known by the reader).
There are other things I take argument with - but I appreciate it could be said that these are personal views rather than objective.
For example I don't believe the author has given sufficient weighting to the Jewish claim to the land. I realize this is a much broader topic, but without it - you don't really have a valid conflict to start with.
Also, the wider context of Global Islamic Jihadism is not sufficiently referenced with respect to militant Palestinian groups. This is negligent at best.
That said, many parts of the book are useful reading, and the writing style is good.
Report
Bathreader
5.0 out of 5 stars An objective account of this intractable feudReviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 November 2023
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
The recent barbaric attack by Hamas and aggressive demonstrations of support for Hamas by sections of the UK populace reminded me that I knew little of the history of this intractable feud/war. This book provides as even-handed and measured an account of the history of Israeli-Palestine conflicts as I think one might find anywhere. There are plenty of one-eyed accounts by partisans from each side but I feel that this book identifies the strengths and deficits of both parties. He also identifies where each side has obstructed tentative moves towards peace at various points in the past. In conclusion, the author identifies the many obstacles lying in the path to either a one state or two state solution and suggests that a federal relationship might best address the needs of both parties, but sadly he remains pessimistic about the prospect of early peace.
9 people found this helpfulReport
JLR
5.0 out of 5 stars Probably the best book on this subjectReviewed in the United States on 15 July 2024
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I thought that I had a fairly good view and background on this subject until I got this book. Written in an objective style, it will open your eyes. One of the rare books that I have marked up and highlighted. The reader is not convincing anyone of a side to take, but pointing out what led up to this decades long battle that has been brewing. Author did a great job providing the historical background. I don’t suggest reading this book quickly, but take notes, highlight and learn.
8 people found this helpfulReport
Christine Filipski
5.0 out of 5 stars Very informativeReviewed in the United States on 18 January 2024
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
With everything going on right now, I wanted to learn more about the history of this conflict. This book delivers! Easy to read and follow. The author does NOT "pick sides"...rather he states the facts of the history and adds his pros/cons/opinions both good and bad for both sides (very important in these polarized times where everything seems to have to be either one way or the other!). If you have always been interested in learning more about this subject, this is the book I would recommend.
2 people found this helpfulReport
=
rom other countries
Margaret
4.0 out of 5 stars Seemingly accurate account of present day conflictReviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 February 2024
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Helpful evaluation and factual account of historical events leading to present day conflict
Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars What everyone needs to know.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 November 2023
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Absolutely fascinating, objective, and even handed explanation of the Arab/Israeli conflict. I learnt so much, and many of my pre conceptions and sympathies were found to be misguided or, in some cases, wrong. This book was written before the current war in Gaza, but nevertheless, the book remains relevant. I thoroughly recommend this book to all who might be interested (and we should ALL be) in this very sad conflict.
4 people found this helpfulReport
Dwight D. Walker
5.0 out of 5 stars A must readReviewed in the United States on 31 December 2023
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Even though this book was written in 2019 it is still appropriate in the current conflict. Dov does an amazing unbiased job in presenting the background and circumstances leading to October 7, 2023. If you are looking for a comprehensive source to understand the complexities of Israel and Palestine without too much minutia, then this book is for you. In addition to identifying the underlying issues, Dov also provides commentary on potential solutions. This book is a must read with today’s current events.
5 people found this helpfulReport
Tab
1.0 out of 5 stars Biased in favor of Israel, Racist against PalestiniansReviewed in the United States on 29 February 2024
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Dov Waxmon is clearly bias in favor of Israel. He goes out of his way to demonize Husseini and the Arabs for rejecting the unjust partition plan offered by the UN (Resolution 181) in 1947. The UN plan allotted 56 percent of the land of Palestine to the minority population of the European Jews who had settled there (contrary to the 17 percent of the 1937 Peel partition plan), while providing only 44 percent for the overwhelming majority of the indigenous Arab population (and a minority of Christians). The Arabs were right to reject this unjust plan. Waxman does not even mention these facts demonstrating his Zionist proclivities. He is clearly racist against the Arabs, not surprising considering his Zionist heritage. Waxman makes little to no reference of the powerful influence of the corrupt Zionist organizations backed by the US, which is an amazing but loathsome account in itself (see: Alison Weir, Against Our Better Judgment: The Hidden History of How the US Was Used to Create Israel, Alison Weir, 2014).
The European Jews who were illegally and arbitrarily settling in Palestine from 1917 onward were illegal intruders. They had no right to be there. The Israel that was established in 1948 by the British Empire was a counterfeit, re-creation of Israel populated by Europeans not indigenous to the land of Palestine. The overwhelming majority of Palestine’s indigenous population was Arab. For a more accurate account of the conflict consult: Rashid Khalidi, The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine, (New York, Henry Holt & Company: 2020).
10 people found this helpfulReport
Mark Treitel
5.0 out of 5 stars Should belong on every shelf of people who are interested in Israel OR PalestineReviewed in the United States on 13 January 2020
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I finally finished this recent book Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and am giving it a very, high, 10/10 of recommendation. It should belong on every shelf of anyone who wants to be able a very nuanced understanding of history, current situation, and realistic probabilities.
I found the book to be extremely sober, yet critical, and was almost an anomaly, since it does actually try to understand "what are they thinking" from a "both-sides" approach.
Even historical parts that I had known were still interesting to read. This was actually one of the books I didn't read on Shabbat, so I have lots of underlined parts.
The book is very recent and does go up to parts of Trump's Presidency.
I do think it is imperative for at least people outside of Israel (and perhaps inside) for those who have not really ever got an objective history lesson re: Palestinian history.
Anyway, order and this, put it on your shelf and actually read it.
20 people found this helpfulReport
Theo Hengist
5.0 out of 5 stars A book that takes neither sideReviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 April 2024
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This is a balanced book that looks at both sides of the argument without any obvious bias. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone interested in the current problems in the area.
Report
Kristen
5.0 out of 5 stars Very InformativeReviewed in the United States on 19 June 2024
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This book does a fair job of detailing both sides of the argument, and provides a deeper understanding of the issue. Unfortunately, it’s highly unlikely that the conflict will be resolved any time soon, if ever.
One person found this helpfulReport
Neil Stuart
5.0 out of 5 stars MARVELLOUSReviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 October 2023
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book tells you everything you need to know about the history of this troubled area. It is well organised and well written. It is objective and not biased in any way. I cannot recommend it too highly.
7 people found this helpfulReport
Greg
5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding the issuesReviewed in the United States on 6 May 2024
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I enjoyed learning the history behind the long term conflict. There is clearly blame on both sides and a long term solution seems a long way off.
Report
Maciej Marcinkiewicz
4.0 out of 5 stars Very Informative and Gives Both Sides of the StoryReviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 May 2020
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is a great book if you want to understand the Israel-Palestine conflict. The author is unbaised and makes the book a joy to read. The only gripe I have is the build quality. The front and back covers started to come off after only a couple of days and have only gotten worse since. This is the only reason I haven't given the book 5 stars.
9 people found this helpfulReport
===
===
===
===
No comments:
Post a Comment