Israel on Trial: Examining the History, the Evidence, and the Law
by Roy K. Altman (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (176)
Kindle$14.99
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New York Times Bestseller
USA Today Bestseller
When the slogans are louder than the facts, evidence becomes a moral imperative.
In Israel on Trial: Examining the History, the Evidence, and the Law, United States District Judge Roy K. Altman brings legal rigor to the world’s most contentious debate. Applying courtroom-tested standards—burden of proof, corroboration, chain of custody—he examines claims of colonialism, apartheid, and genocide with dispassionate precision.
In an era shaped by viral slogans and curated outrage, Judge Altman offers a disciplined method for discerning truth from propaganda. Through historical records, archaeological evidence, genetic data, and international law, Israel on Trial shows what it means to demand proof—and what’s at stake when we stop asking for it.
Key takeaways include:
How to evaluate modern political claims using legal reasoning
Why historical evidence still matters in present-day discourse
What international law actually says about occupation, apartheid, and genocide
How antisemitic tropes have evolved into mainstream talking points
A framework for intellectual integrity in an age of ideological warfare
This is not just a book about Israel. It’s a guide for anyone who believes facts still matter.
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Review
"Judge Roy Altman has done something rare and urgently needed. He applies the discipline of evidence, methodology, and truth-seeking that governs a courtroom to the most misunderstood conflict in the world. Israel on Trial cuts through slogans, propaganda, and moral inversion with the clarity of a legal mind and the precision of a fact-finder. Altman lays out the history, the law, and the record in a way that allows any reader, regardless of background, to understand what is real and what is fiction. In an age where disinformation fuels hatred and violence, this book is a guide back to facts, reason, and moral clarity.”
— John Spencer
Chair of Urban Warfare Studies, Modern War Institute at West Point
"Roy Altman has written the essential guide to clear thinking about Israel. With style and care, he draws on his legal and judicial experience to systematically separate fact from fiction, and equips readers to become discerning consumers of news and arguments about the Middle East."
— Yuval Levin
Director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies, American Enterprise Institute
"As a Federal Judge, Roy Altman’s 'day job' is to determine what is true and what is not. He performs that task by rigorously applying rules of evidence and common sense—principles that have reliably guided fact finders over many centuries. Now, Judge Altman applies that analysis to Israel’s recent war with Hamas in Gaza—free of emotion, wishful thinking, or bias, just as a judge should do. And his product is the definitive word on who is right and who is wrong, what is true and what is false. This is a must-read for anyone who wishes for an accurate understanding of this historic conflict."
— David Friedman
Former United States Ambassador to Israel, 2017-2021
"Roy Altman's book makes the definitive case for the historical necessity of the state of Israel and its actions in its own defense. Altman provides—as only a federal judge can—what everyone wants and needs from a great ruling: A strict adherence to the facts of the case, a comprehensible legal justification for the findings in the case, and the moral framework that brings the facts and findings together masterfully. A tour de force."
— John Podhoretz
Editor, Commentary Magazine
"Israel on Trial is not only a model of rigorous evidence-based analysis but a beacon of moral clarity in a world that desperately needs it."
— Jed Rubenfeld
Professor of Law, Yale Law School
"A brilliant book. This exceptional work of logic, history, law, and geopolitics presents the essential facts about Israel while showing readers how to think and reason about them with clarity and rigor. The book reflects the mind of a masterful lawyer—precise, disciplined, and incisive—and remains thoroughly enjoyable to read. Anyone engaged in conversations or debates about Israel will learn immensely from and be deeply gratified by this remarkable work."
— Mark Gerson
Author, God Was Right: How Modern Social Science Proves the Torah is True
"An outstanding contribution. This book brings together rigorous analysis, historical context, legal reasoning, and geopolitical clarity in a way few works manage to achieve. It lays out the key facts about Israel with precision while equipping readers to approach the subject with disciplined, well-structured thinking. Judge Altman’s expertise is evident on every page—careful, exacting, and sharply argued—yet consistently engaging to read. Anyone involved in discussion, scholarship, or debate surrounding Israel will find this volume exceptionally useful and deeply enlightening."
— Bishop Robert Stearns
Founder & President, Eagles Wings
"Israel on Trial is brilliant, meticulously researched, and absolutely mind-opening. It’s also beautifully written. This extraordinary work should be required reading for anyone who wants to understand the Middle East today."
— Amy Chua
Professor of Law, Yale Law School; Author, Political Tribes: Group Instinct and the Fate of Nations and Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
— John Spencer
Chair of Urban Warfare Studies, Modern War Institute at West Point
"Roy Altman has written the essential guide to clear thinking about Israel. With style and care, he draws on his legal and judicial experience to systematically separate fact from fiction, and equips readers to become discerning consumers of news and arguments about the Middle East."
— Yuval Levin
Director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies, American Enterprise Institute
"As a Federal Judge, Roy Altman’s 'day job' is to determine what is true and what is not. He performs that task by rigorously applying rules of evidence and common sense—principles that have reliably guided fact finders over many centuries. Now, Judge Altman applies that analysis to Israel’s recent war with Hamas in Gaza—free of emotion, wishful thinking, or bias, just as a judge should do. And his product is the definitive word on who is right and who is wrong, what is true and what is false. This is a must-read for anyone who wishes for an accurate understanding of this historic conflict."
— David Friedman
Former United States Ambassador to Israel, 2017-2021
"Roy Altman's book makes the definitive case for the historical necessity of the state of Israel and its actions in its own defense. Altman provides—as only a federal judge can—what everyone wants and needs from a great ruling: A strict adherence to the facts of the case, a comprehensible legal justification for the findings in the case, and the moral framework that brings the facts and findings together masterfully. A tour de force."
— John Podhoretz
Editor, Commentary Magazine
"Israel on Trial is not only a model of rigorous evidence-based analysis but a beacon of moral clarity in a world that desperately needs it."
— Jed Rubenfeld
Professor of Law, Yale Law School
"A brilliant book. This exceptional work of logic, history, law, and geopolitics presents the essential facts about Israel while showing readers how to think and reason about them with clarity and rigor. The book reflects the mind of a masterful lawyer—precise, disciplined, and incisive—and remains thoroughly enjoyable to read. Anyone engaged in conversations or debates about Israel will learn immensely from and be deeply gratified by this remarkable work."
— Mark Gerson
Author, God Was Right: How Modern Social Science Proves the Torah is True
"An outstanding contribution. This book brings together rigorous analysis, historical context, legal reasoning, and geopolitical clarity in a way few works manage to achieve. It lays out the key facts about Israel with precision while equipping readers to approach the subject with disciplined, well-structured thinking. Judge Altman’s expertise is evident on every page—careful, exacting, and sharply argued—yet consistently engaging to read. Anyone involved in discussion, scholarship, or debate surrounding Israel will find this volume exceptionally useful and deeply enlightening."
— Bishop Robert Stearns
Founder & President, Eagles Wings
"Israel on Trial is brilliant, meticulously researched, and absolutely mind-opening. It’s also beautifully written. This extraordinary work should be required reading for anyone who wants to understand the Middle East today."
— Amy Chua
Professor of Law, Yale Law School; Author, Political Tribes: Group Instinct and the Fate of Nations and Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
About the Author
ROY K. ALTMAN serves as a United Stated District Judge for the Southern District of Florida. Judge Altman graduated from Columbia University, where he played both football and baseball, before earning his law degree from Yale Law School. After clerking for the U.S. Court of Appeals and serving as a federal prosecutor, he became the youngest federal district court judge ever appointed in the Southern District of Florida.
Judge Altman lives in Miami, Florida. He is a prolific writer and public speaker, focusing mainly on the rule of law, the importance of public service, and the modern discourse around Israel and antisemitism.
Judge Altman lives in Miami, Florida. He is a prolific writer and public speaker, focusing mainly on the rule of law, the importance of public service, and the modern discourse around Israel and antisemitism.
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Publication date : 28 April 2026
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Roy K. Altman
Roy K. Altman
Roy K. Altman is a United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida. At 36, he became the youngest federal district court judge in the country and the youngest federal judge ever appointed in the Southern District of Florida. Altman received his BA from Columbia University, where he played quarterback for the football team and pitched for the baseball team, earning All-Ivy honors. Altman received his JD from the Yale Law School, where he was projects editor of the Yale Law Journal. After law school, Altman clerked on the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals for the Honorable Stanley Marcus.
Altman then became a federal prosecutor at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Miami, where he twice received the Director of the Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys' Award for Superior Performance--a nationwide honor. In 2013, Altman was named "Federal Prosecutor of the Year" by the Miami-Dade Chiefs of Police and the Law Enforcement Officers' Charitable Foundation.
In 2014, Altman became a partner at the Miami law firm of Podhurst Orseck, where he represented the victims of bank-fraud conspiracies and international airplane crashes--including the families of passengers aboard Malaysian Airlines Flight 370, which disappeared over the Indian Ocean after taking off from Kuala Lumpur.
Since the Hamas massacres in Southern Israel on October 7, 2023, Altman has led dozens of federal judges from all across the United States on the first-ever Judicial Education Missions to Israel. He's also given hundreds of speeches about Israel, antisemitism, and the rule of law at colleges, law schools, churches, synagogues, and community centers around the world.
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From other countries
Owen S
5.0 out of 5 stars A clear, factual, and urgently needed book
Reviewed in the United States on 7 May 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
This is a wonderful and much-needed book. Israel on Trial lays out the history, evidence, and legal arguments with clarity and seriousness at a time when too much of the public conversation has been reduced to slogans, social-media outrage, and TikTok-level misinformation.
What I appreciated most is that the book insists on something basic but increasingly rare: facts matter. It does not ask the reader to accept a narrative because it is fashionable or emotionally satisfying. It walks through the record, examines the actual evidence, and treats the law and history with the seriousness they deserve.
For anyone who wants to understand the issues beyond the noise, this is an important read. Whether one already follows the subject closely or is trying to make sense of the claims being thrown around online, this book is a strong, thoughtful, and badly needed corrective.
Highly recommended.
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DL
5.0 out of 5 stars The Kindle version is working fine
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 June 2026
Verified Purchase
I downloaded the Kindle version of this book in June 2026 in the UK. It's working fine on my Fire 7 tablet.
I've only read the first few pages but it's proving very interesting so far.
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Avid reader
1.0 out of 5 stars Faulty download. Amazon corruption
Reviewed in Canada on 25 May 2026
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
The book is good but Amazon corrupted the Kindle version and there is no one to talk to. The ebook is faulty. Do not download.
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Amanda
5.0 out of 5 stars High level brilliant analysis
Reviewed in the United States on 3 May 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
This is one of the most thoughtful and well articulated books I’ve read on the subject. Roy Altman does a fantastic job combining serious analysis with clear, accessible writing. It offers real perspective without losing the nuance. Exceptional book and five stars fully warranted.
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MB
5.0 out of 5 stars A Much Needed Does Of Truth
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 May 2026
Verified Purchase
A properly researched, evidence-based assessment proving what we all know…that there is a despicable, anti-Semitic propaganda campaign still going strong. People who disgrace the word ‘liberal’ prefer to show solidarity with a vicious, murdering terrorist group than a surrounded nation in their rightful and historically proven homeland that has constantly sought peace with its neighbours in the face of constant, unthinking, religious-based aggression.
A tremendous and important book. Read it with an open mind and without looking out of your windows to see your streets disgracefully filled with virtue-signalling Hamas fans spewing lies and distortions. Roy K. Altman has done you a service…read the truth. We should all support Isreal and the Jewish people over a group of murdering, religious terrorists.
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Adam Finkel
5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly written book!
Reviewed in the United States on 30 April 2026
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This is an incredibly well researched and written account of Israeli history and a reminder of how even today facts, evidence, and the truth are being denied. The book is engaging and touches upon all sides of the particular arguments made in society today. Judge Altman is shining a light on what is happening with Israel and why Jews’ rights to their land are being challenged. Thank you for speaking up, Judge.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
Reviewed in the United States on 7 May 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Judge Altman has written a great book. His scholarship cannot be matched. Every page is an education about a complex part of the world. The book is an easy read. In fact, it's so well written that it's hard to put down.
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Missem
5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read!
Reviewed in the United States on 11 May 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Should be required reading! Judge Altman’s thoroughly researched and beautifully written book is accessible and provides all the tools one needs to understand a complicated (and often misunderstood) historical conflict. Israel on Trial is an amazing achievement.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars An impressive work of evidence and legal analysis, with a deep connection to Israel and the region
Reviewed in the United States on 19 May 2026
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This is an amazing book. The level of detail, the citations, and the evidence amassed all speak to a narrative that is persuasive, in which nothing is taken for granted and everything is proven. I learned from the book not only how to rebut the malicious lies about Israel and genocide, colonialism, apartheid, etc., but also a lot about the history of the Mideast and the respective roles of Jews and Arabs in the land that has been Israel for thousands of years. Anyone interested in this region and its history should read this book carefully and recommend it to others.
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Andrew S Kline
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant novel and well supported by facts!
Reviewed in the United States on 3 June 2026
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What an amazing book detailing the historical truth about Israel and the Middle East conflict. Brilliant Judge equals brilliant writing!
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leon m
5.0 out of 5 stars Eye opening, incredibly informative
Reviewed in the United States on 30 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
It's hard to think of a more important read right now. Judge Altman cuts through some of the loudest, most ill-informed and nefarious claims against Israel and replaces them with something we don't get enough of in this debate — actual evidence and clarity.
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NewsJunkie33
5.0 out of 5 stars Proof of the long Jewish history in Israel
Reviewed in the United States on 27 June 2026
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In “Israel on Trial,” Judge Roy Altman refutes six major arguments advanced by critics of Israel. The book is the perfect antidote for college students whose minds have been poisoned by the current scourge of anti-Israel hate speech.
The best chapter is the first one, where Altman rebuts the Palestinian claim that they are more indigenous to historic Israel than the Jews. He examines four stone-carved pronouncements and one stone-carved bas-relief by the empires that surrounded the ancient Kingdom of Israel. One of the official statements dates back to 1,205 B.C.E. Each artifact, in its own way, testifies to the existence of Jewish self-rule in the Land of Israel more than 1,800 years before the region was plundered by the Arab Conquest from Arabia.
Altman proceeds to explain that despite a succession of foreign invaders, the Jewish inhabitants repeatedly tried -- and repeatedly succeeded -- in regaining autonomy in their ancestral homeland. In the 20th Century those efforts lawfully produced the modern State of Israel.
People who appreciate indigenous rights will be amazed to discover how such a tiny indigenous minority overcame so many centuries of foreign belligerence. Readers may then realize that the belligerence continues to this day.
Starting in the 1960’s, Arabs in and around Israel widely adopted the nationalist label “Palestinians.” Then they began to profess that the ancient Canaanites were Palestinian. They contended that the State of Israel unjustly replaced a country called Palestine. They added that Jesus was a Palestinian, Jerusalem was originally an Arab city called al Quds, and al Quds never housed a Jewish temple.
As a result of the political revisionism, Palestinian supporters worldwide now insist that Palestinians are more indigenous to Israel than the Jews. It’s a silly notion, as Altman calmly explains.
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Doris Aviles
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read
Reviewed in the United States on 9 June 2026
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Judge Altman has done a spectacular job in detailing the falsehoods Israel and the Jewish people have been burdened with for thousands of years, but more specifically in this work, since October 7, 2023. For anyone that cares about Israel and the Jewish people, this book provides the tools we need to deal with anti-Semitic verbal attacks and behavior. Though the book is about Israel/Jewish people's struggle to survive and exist as a sovereign country without having to constantly justify their existence, the book also gives us the legal argument for why Israel and its people have a right to defend themselves in their fight to exist. Thank you, Judge Altman.
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garrett
5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling
Reviewed in the United States on 23 June 2026
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
If you are one who reads the news and has been hearing one side of this argument, I would ask that you read this book and keep your bias in check as you learn facts about how things really are. Get out of this fantasy that’s being spun for you and see Israel as it really is. This Nation deserves to live.
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Daniel Conway
5.0 out of 5 stars A powerful telling of the case for Israel
Reviewed in the United States on 14 June 2026
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Roy Altman has made the case for Israel over against its many enemies from ancient times to the present. The Jewish people are a mystery. The very fact that they have survived the repeated attempts of their powerful enemies to annihilate them is a miracle. The jury of human history may still be deliberating, but Israel exists to remind us that God alone decides what is important and enduring.
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Roger A Harris
5.0 out of 5 stars From a former Jew, who went through a very rough time, from so called Christians!
Reviewed in the United States on 21 May 2026
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I am an 88 year old man who's family had very strong Jewish roots. My father's family came from Poland in the later 1800's. I started going to a Methodist church in 1949,and the so called Christians would never let me forget my Jewish heritage, plus as you can imagine all the Jewish slur words I was called ! If you as a Jew think you are safe, you better be on guard. One of the big problems is the Progressive Jews in Show Business and the Democratic Party, who have forgotten our history, are in for a big shock,if they think they are among friends!
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Lauren
5.0 out of 5 stars Overdue
Reviewed in the United States on 12 May 2026
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In a debate where emotion and bias have long substituted for rigor, Judge Altman does something disarmingly straightforward: tries the evidence. By applying courtroom standards like burden of proof, corroboration, and chain of custody to claims that have become politically calcified, he creates a framework accessible to readers of all backgrounds and beliefs.
The book's greatest contribution isn't its conclusions, despite their timeliness and impact on my own judgements on the subject. It's the method. Legal reasoning isn't a partisan tool but a discipline for separating what we know from what we feel. Instead of letting the loudest voice win, this book reminded me the strongest argument should.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Israel on Trial, Examing The History, The Evidence, and The LAw
Reviewed in the United States on 2 May 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
I went through a period of several years that I was being vetted for a significant job in Israel. Having know a great deal, because I am Jewish and I am a Zionist who believes Israel has the right to exist as a Jewish State I was very knowledgeable in its long history of thousands of years.
Roy Altman has written a book if anyone who is interested in the reality of the truth as it relates to Oct. 7, 2023; the truth as it related to how Israel treats all its citizens, Jewish, Muslim, and Christian as it relates to Israels' defense for survival and its war against, Iran's proxies-Hamas- Hezbollah from the perspective of a Federal Judge applying LAW'S. READ THIS BOOK !!!!
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uncompensated reviewer
5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
Reviewed in the United States on 10 June 2026
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I loved this format of an unbiased, fact based legal breakdown of the accusations laid against the state of Israel.
Great read, if you can do it objectively.
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CWP
5.0 out of 5 stars A lawyerly review of the evidence
Reviewed in the United States on 5 June 2026
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Judge Altman does a phenomenal job of assembling the evidence against Israel and examining it with a critical eye. No surprise, the evidence does not hold up under any level of objective scrutiny.
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Ari Elden
5.0 out of 5 stars Israel on Trial
Reviewed in the United States on 22 June 2026
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Clear, factual, easy to read and understand.
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LEL
5.0 out of 5 stars Israel on trial Roy K. Altman audible not available???
Reviewed in the United States on 21 June 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Excellent book!!! Why is it not available on Audible???
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Chris Adamo
5.0 out of 5 stars The real history and Real time facts about isreal!
Reviewed in the United States on 29 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Just read the book and couldn’t put it
There are books that inform, and then there are books that feel like standing too close to a bonfire, heat licking your face, impossible to ignore. Israel on Fire sits squarely in the second category.
Israel on Fire is a compelling, perspective-driven account of a deeply complex situation. It’s best approached not as the final word, but as a vivid and forceful contribution to an ongoing conversation. Read it alongside other viewpoints, and it becomes even more valuable.
If you want a book that feels like it’s happening in real time rather than safely in hindsight, this one delivers.
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Nicole
5.0 out of 5 stars The Nuanced Critical Analysis Framework We've Been Waiting For
Reviewed in the United States on 18 May 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Incredibly well done! This book is both approachable no matter your familiarity with the topic yet also incredibly detailed and nuanced. It does double duty by delving into an important, complex historical topic with meticulous rigor while also providing readers with a set of analytical tools that they can use to unpack and understand future complex issues for themselves.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Israel on Trial
Reviewed in the United States on 1 June 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Excellent book! Well written and very persuasive argument based on the facts related to Israel. This book is definitely worth reading.
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David Lawrence Jr.
5.0 out of 5 stars Wise, thoughtful and a splendid contribution to greater understanding.
Reviewed in the United States on 31 May 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
"What we have here is judicious, masterful, a solid foundation for understanding. "Israel on Trial" deserves my highest recommendation."
Dave Lawrence
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Sean Mirmelli
5.0 out of 5 stars Really engaging a must read 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on 29 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Judge Altman successfully brings attention to current and former events in Israel in with an easy reading Israel on trial. Discourse centered around emotional neutrality, logic, and objectivity, Altman attempts to analyze the subject matter in a similar manner he would direct a jury to analyze a case before him. I thoroughly enjoyed the reading and suggest this to anyone who is interested in delving into an abstract of a common topic normally coated with political and emotional bias while lacking of logic and devoid of logical reasoning
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Juan
5.0 out of 5 stars One of my best reads of the year
Reviewed in the United States on 22 May 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Israel on Trial is thoughtful and eye-opening, A book that encourages reflection instead of division, and reminds us how important it is to look beyond the surface of history and conflict.
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Miguel
5.0 out of 5 stars Common sense and real history must be a mandatory subject in schools
Reviewed in the United States on 25 May 2026
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This book should be a mandatory one on schools, its veracity and completeness unveils how ignorance open the space to unfounded hatred.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars GOAT BOOK
Reviewed in the United States on 1 May 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
1- Easy to Read. 2- Should be distributed to every high school and college student as required reading.
3- Not only great teachings in Jewish history but a lesson in how our legal system operates today. 4- timely book in light of current events. 5- only wish the book could be sold in Arab book stores. HOW CAN ANYONE REGARDLESS OF FAITH OR IDEOLOGY NOT OWN THIS INCREDIBLE DOCUMENT
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L.LazopFried
5.0 out of 5 stars Ordered and Adjudged! Case made.
Reviewed in the United States on 29 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
This book is incredibly well written, well supported and engaging! History and primary sources come alive through Judge Altman's words. It is an engaging and edifying read. Judge Altman is the hero Israel needs and his book is the outline for understanding and appreciating not just Israel's legitimacy, but Israel's exceptionalism. If you have the chance to hear him speak on his book, don't miss it, it is even more exciting to hear him discuss it live
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Scott O
5.0 out of 5 stars Fact driven
Reviewed in the United States on 29 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Judge Roy Altman’s “Israel on Trial” is a thoughtful, well-researched, and highly engaging examination of one of the most complex and emotionally charged issues we are facing today. Altman approaches the subject with a clear commitment to fairness, carefully grounding his arguments in history and law.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking a clearer, more informed perspective on Israel and the legal and moral debates surrounding it.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Much Needed
Reviewed in the United States on 30 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Judge Altman takes a serious (and much needed) review of broad claims lobbied against Israel. Using the rigor of evidence-based scrutiny, Judge Altman masterfully unpacks those claims and why they falter. In a modern-day culture where truth bends to the loudest and most reactionary of voices, this faithful and resolved stewardship of what the history and evidence actually shows is good medicine.
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Samuel J.
5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating and important book -- everyone should read this, regardless of their political views.
Reviewed in the United States on 8 May 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
This is an important book to read for anyone on any side of the political spectrum who wants to engage in intellectually honest debate about politics in the Middle East. The book is clearly written and engages in complex subject matter in a way that is engaging and enjoyable to read.
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MJM
5.0 out of 5 stars Moves Past the Talking Points
Reviewed in the United States on 3 May 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
If you’re tired of the noise that usually dominates conversations about Israel, pick up Israel on Trial. Altman does the heavy lifting, stripping away the performative outrage to reveal the facts beneath. It is a razor-sharp, well-researched work that forces you to confront the history head-on rather than hiding behind comfortable talking points.
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Meaghan B.
5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read
Reviewed in the United States on 30 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Israel on Trial is a compelling, incisive, and masterfully argued book that brings clarity to an often distorted conversation. With sharp analysis and meticulous research, Altman navigates complex legal and historical terrain in a way that is both accessible and deeply persuasive. A must-read for anyone seeking a thoughtful and rigorous examination of one of the most debated, and misrepresented, issues of our time.
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Scotty D
5.0 out of 5 stars A+++
Reviewed in the United States on 28 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Roy Altman delivers a compelling and important read with Israel on Trial. The book is sharp, well-researched, and written with the kind of clarity that keeps you engaged from start to finish. It tackles a complex and emotional subject with conviction, intelligence, and purpose.
Whether you already follow the topic closely or are looking to better understand the issues surrounding Israel on the world stage, this book is worth your time. Roy brings passion and perspective to every page.
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LC
5.0 out of 5 stars Big ideas written in an approachable manner
Reviewed in the United States on 29 April 2026
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
The judge presents a strong and clear analysis of Israel’s actions and history. The book explains complex political issues in a way that is engaging, and at times- especially for archeology buffs- page turning.
Altman uses facts, examples, and logical arguments to support his convincing points. The writing is direct and confident, helping readers follow along without getting lost in technical language. It also challenges common criticisms of Israel and offers thoughtful responses to them. Overall, the book is engaging and persuasive.
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maria chapa
5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterclass in Argument and Clarity
Reviewed in the United States on 30 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Gripping from the start. Judge Roy Altman’s “trial” framework is brilliant—clear, fact-based, and grounded in history. Organized like a well-tried case, it’s compelling without being overstated. As someone with trial experience, I especially appreciated the disciplined structure and clarity of argument. A brilliant and thoughtful read.
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RD
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting insight into complex issues
Reviewed in the United States on 7 May 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Excellent book-unique and thoughtful approach to the complex situation in the Middle East. Good perspective on issues that don’t seem to get much coverage
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Rochelle Finvarb
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read!
Reviewed in the United States on 29 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
This book is brilliant in its ability to bring clarity and depth to a highly complex and often misunderstood subject. Judge Altman has done a wonderful job providing a thoughtful examination of Israel’s legal and geopolitical challenges.
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CJ
5.0 out of 5 stars Learn the facts about Israel - judge for yourself
Reviewed in the United States on 29 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Judge Altman cuts through the media noise and provides a fact-based account of the history of Israel and the Jewish people. This is a must-read for anyone tired of the vitriol who just wants the facts.
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nathan mandler
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read
Reviewed in the United States on 29 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Everyone should read this book so that they can learn the truth rather than have to rely on the fake news that they receive from Tik Tok and Instagram
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juan g.
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read
Reviewed in the United States on 1 May 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Got it 3 days ago and I’m half way through with it. Fascinating. I didn’t expect a history book to be this entertaining.
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Josh Rubens
5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read Book on Israel
Reviewed in the United States on 3 May 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Terrific analysis from an objective perspective. A must read book for anyone looking to be more educated on this important topic.
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tin
5.0 out of 5 stars great book.
Reviewed in the United States on 5 May 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
excellent read. not sure what i was expecting but this was pretty engaging from beginning.
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CJB
5.0 out of 5 stars Separating propaganda from fact
Reviewed in the United States on 1 May 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
A brilliant guide to separating propaganda from historical and legal truth, and an example of civil discourse on a complex topic.
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SETH CASSEL
5.0 out of 5 stars Relevant, important, powerful
Reviewed in the United States on 30 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
This book takes complex issues and makes the accessible - and argument that anyone can follow and knowledge everyone should have!
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E
5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for critical thinkers
Reviewed in the United States on 3 May 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
While the topic is complex for many, this book did a good job outlining the research and positions.
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brett
5.0 out of 5 stars Critical book on this topic
Reviewed in the United States on 29 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Well-written and very readable important book that reminds/teaches people how to think for themselves and draw their own conclusions
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None Urbeeswax
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in the United States on 30 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Great book on an important topic. I bought after seeing judge Altman speak last month in Austin.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five stars
Reviewed in the United States on 30 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Super interesting book and very well written! Highly recommend!
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Steven Marin
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Reviewed in the United States on 30 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Awesome is all I can say
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Lonny Levy
5.0 out of 5 stars Generational book
Reviewed in the United States on 3 May 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Incredible book
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Brandon
5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read
Reviewed in the United States on 3 May 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Must read
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Ilya Shapiro
5.0 out of 5 stars Hard-hitting and readable
Reviewed in the United States on 29 April 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Amazing book! Learned a ton! Brilliant!
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PH
1.0 out of 5 stars A biased book
Reviewed in the United States on 12 June 2026
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
If you’re looking for a book that will give you talking points supporting Israel, this is a book for you. The problem is that the talking points are easy to pick apart. I feel like this author would be an easy person to beat in a debate. Although he probably wouldn’t recognize valid points presented by the other side.
First, this book was not what it claims to be. He’s not looking at all the evidence and seeing where that takes him. In the first few pages, the author immediately reveals his bias with the way he talks about Palestinians.
The author doesn’t present all of the information that would be needed to form a truly objective assessment. For example, the author talks about the hundreds of thousands of Jews who have left other Middle East countries, but the the author doesn’t talk about the 750,000 Palestinians who were pushed from their land in 1948 in The Nakba.
The author also commits red herrings. For example, the author talks about how opponents of Israel don’t think Israel should exist. No serious people are talking about that. He is referring to a minority that is extreme…. The vast majority of people support Israel being a state - they just don’t want Israel to kill children and claim self-defense. He also fails to talk about how some extreme Israeli Zionists have displaced Palestinian families who were living in villages for hundreds of years for settlers who are from other countries. And these settlers are often very violent.
This is a truly biased book.
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To see more
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로이 K. 알트만(Roy K. Altman)의 저서 <재판대에 선 이스라엘: 역사, 증거, 그리고 법에 대한 검토>(Israel on Trial: Examining the History, the Evidence, and the Law)에 대한 요약과 평론입니다. 책의 핵심 논지와 법조인으로서의 시각, 그리고 이에 대한 비판적 평가를 담아 작성했습니다.
<재판대에 선 이스라엘: 역사, 증거, 그리고 법에 대한 검토> 요약 및 평론
1. 도서 요약: 법정의 눈으로 바라본 중동 갈등
미국 연방법원 판사이자 전직 검사인 로이 K. 알트만은 이 책에서 감정과 구호가 지배하는 이스라엘-팔레스타인 분쟁을 법정의 엄격한 증거주의와 법적 기준을 통해 해부한다. 저자는 2023년 10월 7일 하마스의 기습 공격 이후 국제 사회와 대학가 등에서 분출된 이스라엘에 대한 비판이 정교하게 조작된 내러티브에 기반하고 있다고 진단하며, 입증 책임(burden of proof), 보강 증거(corroboration), 증거물 보존 절차(chain of custody)와 같은 사법적 잣대로 이를 하나씩 검증해 나간다.
책은 크게 네 가지 핵심 의혹인 식민주의(colonialism), 인종차별(apartheid), 점령(occupation), 점종족말살(genocide)이라는 거대한 도덕적·법적 기소 항목을 다룬다.
첫째, 식민주의 담론에 대해 저자는 역사적, 고고학적, 유전학적 증거를 전면에 내세운다. 기원전 1200년경의 <메르네프타 비석>(Mernapthah's Stele)을 비롯해 주변 도시국가들의 풍부한 사료를 바탕으로 유대인이 해당 지역의 토착민(indigenous)임을 증명한다. 이스라엘은 제국주의 세력이 원주민을 몰아내고 세운 식민지가 아니라, 토착 민족이 자신들의 고토로 복귀한 역사적 권리의 실현이라는 것이 저자의 핵심 논지다.
둘째, 인종차별과 점령의 성격에 대해서는 국제법적 정의와 역사적 사실을 대조한다. 저자는 아랍 국가들이 이스라엘을 상대로 벌인 수차례의 침략 전쟁(예: 1973년 욤 키푸르 전쟁)을 언급하며, 이스라엘이 영토 확장이 아닌 생존을 위해 방어 전쟁을 치렀음을 강조한다. 또한 이스라엘이 평화의 대가로 영토를 양도해 온 역사(시나이반도 반환, 가자지구 철수 등)를 지적하며, 가자지구와 서안지구의 상황은 국제법상 국가의 자위권 행사와 안보적 필요에 따른 봉쇄일 뿐, 특정 인종을 차별하기 위한 체제가 아니라고 선을 긋는다.
셋째, 집단학살과 민간인 해 무기에 관한 기소에 대해 알트만은 엄격한 의도(intent)의 유무를 따진다. 하마스처럼 이스라엘 말살을 헌장에 명시하고 민간인을 고의로 표적 삼는 집단과, 국제인도법을 준수하며 민간인 피해를 최소화하려는 이스라엘군의 작전 개념을 사법적으로 준별해야 한다는 것이다. 저자는 바이럴 슬로건과 소셜 미디어의 분노가 어떻게 대중을 선동하고 군중을 지적으로 타락시키는지를 보여주며, 사실과 법률에 기반한 정직한 사고방식을 회복할 것을 촉구한다.
2. 평론: 증거주의의 가치와 변호인 관점의 한계
이 책이 지닌 가장 큰 미덕은 감정적이고 이념적인 논쟁으로 치닫기 쉬운 중동 문제를 <법조인의 렌즈>를 통해 고도의 학문적·사법적 규율로 정돈했다는 점에 있다. 알트만은 미국 연방법원 판사라는 자신의 전문성을 십분 활용하여, 공공 담론에서 무분별하게 오용되는 법적 용어들의 엄밀한 정의를 되찾아온다. 특정 대상을 비난하기 위해 던지는 단어들이 법정에서 실제로 성립하기 위해 얼마나 까다로운 증거와 입증 책임을 요구하는지 명쾌하게 짚어낸 점은 지적 연마를 원하는 독자들에게 매우 유용한 도구를 제공한다.
특히 슬로건이 팩트를 압도하는 탈진실(post-truth) 시대에, 고고학적 데이터와 구체적인 조약 체결의 역사 등 계량화되고 확인 가능한 증거를 요구하는 자세는 지적 정직성의 모범을 보여준다. 선동적인 수사학에 휘둘리지 않고 논리적 일관성을 유지하는 저자의 필치는 강렬한 흡입력을 지닌다.
그러나 이 책은 <중립적인 법학 교과서>가 아니라, 철저하게 이스라엘을 방어하기 위해 집필된 <변론서>에 가깝다는 태생적 한계를 지닌다. 판사의 객관성을 표방하고 있지만, 서사의 구조와 증거의 선택적 배열은 피고인 이스라엘을 변호하는 유능한 변호인의 논리와 매우 닮아 있다.
법정에서는 양측의 주장을 모두 동등하게 듣고 판단해야 하지만, 알트만은 팔레스타인 측이 겪어온 역사적 고통과 실질적인 인권 침해의 현실, 그리고 이스라엘 정착촌 확장 등이 유발하는 국제법적 논란에 대해서는 법적 정당화 논리를 제공하는 데 치중한다. 이스라엘의 안보적 정당성을 증명하는 데는 성공했을지 몰라도, 수십 년간 지속된 점령 체제 아래서 팔레스타인 민간인들이 겪는 구조적 모순과 사법적 불평등을 균형 있게 다루지 못했다는 비판을 피하기 어렵다.
결론적으로 이 책은 현대 정치적 논쟁에서 증거 중심주의가 왜 도덕적 명령인가를 웅변하는 강력한 저작이다. 이스라엘의 입장을 옹호하는 가장 정교하고 체계적인 법적 방어 논리를 학습하기에는 더할 나위 없이 훌륭한 텍스트다. 다만, 중동 분쟁의 입체적인 진실을 파악하고자 하는 독자라면 이 책의 뛰어난 논리력에 전적으로 몰입하기보다, 반대편의 역사적·법적 서사를 담은 저작들과 교차 검증하며 균형을 잡는 지혜가 필요하다.
세진님, 이번 요약 평론이 해당 도서의 핵심 전개와 깊이를 파악하시는 데 도움이 되었기를 바랍니다. 추가적으로 궁금한 점이 있으시다면 언제든 말씀해 주세요.
이 영상은 저자인 로이 K. 알트만 판사가 직접 출연하여 책에서 다룬 유대인의 토착성, 역사적 증거의 힘, 그리고 국제법적 기준에 대해 심도 있게 설명하는 인터뷰를 담고 있어 책의 핵심 주장을 이해하는 데 도움을 줍니다.
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