 | |
| Author | Haim Bresheeth |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Zionism, IDF |
| Genre | Non-fiction |
| Publisher | Verso Books |
Publication date | 2020 |
| Pages | 448 |
| ISBN | 1788737849 |
| Website | Official website |
An Army Like No Other: How the Israel Defense Force Made a Nation is a book by Haim Bresheeth-Zabner, published in 2020 by Verso Books. The work is a critical examination of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and its influence on the state of Israel, arguing that the military institution has shaped the country's society, culture, and politics to a significant extent.[1]
Summary
In the book, Bresheeth-Zabner writes about his time as an IDF soldier, a veteran of the 1967 Arab-Israeli war and a disillusioned observer. He presents a narrative that positions the IDF not merely as a defence force but as a central institution in Israeli life that has profoundly affected the nation's identity. He argues that the IDF's prominence has contributed to Israel's development into what he describes as an apartheid state, resulting from Zionism's settler colonial project. Bresheeth-Zabner critically assesses the role of the IDF in Israeli society, from its historical origins in pre-state paramilitary groups to its current status as a dominant force in Middle Eastern geopolitics.[2]
Reception
Financial Times described the book as critically examining the impact of the Israel Defense Forces on Israeli society, culture, and politics, arguing that Israel has evolved into an apartheid state as a result of its military-centric ideology. Srivastava from FT went on to write that Bresheeth-Zabner contends that the IDF has shaped Israel's national identity and foreign policy to such an extent that it has obscured other ideologies and historical narratives, leading to a society that highly venerates its military while overlooking its moral failings. Through a detailed examination of Israel's military history and its influence on Israeli society, the author challenges foundational myths about Israel's creation and critiques the ongoing occupation and military actions against Palestinians. Despite its polemical tone, the book offers a provocative analysis of the role of the IDF in Israeli society, blending history with a call for reevaluation of the moral implications of its adulation and actions.[3]
Times Literary Supplement reviewed the book as presenting a critical and personal perspective from a disillusioned Israeli veteran, on the Israel Defense Forces' actions during the Six Day War in June 1967. Noting Bresheeth-Zabner's reluctance to join the IDF and his reflections on the battle's horrors, despite not participating directly in combat. It discusses an anecdote from the immediate aftermath of the war, suggesting a possible war crime involving prisoners of war, an accusation that adds a controversial layer to the narrative and points out that Israeli military actions are highly scrutinized, and Bresheeth-Zabner's account introduces new, contentious claims into the discourse surrounding the IDF's conduct in past conflicts.[4]
Middle East Monitor praised the book highly, describing it as a "must-read" and applauding the author for thoroughly discrediting "the propaganda of 'the most moral army'", revealing an institution historically violent and requiring the perpetuation of further violence for its sustainability. They characterised it as being "rich in detail ... [and] structured in a manner that is easy to follow, enabling the reader to make the necessary historical connections that are absent in mainstream narratives or obliterated to accommodate the dissociation under which politics and media function"..[5]
Hixson from the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs compared the book to Patrick Tyler's book Fortress Israel. Stating that Bresheeth-Zabner "argues persuasively that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are so powerful that 'Israelis are unable to perceive peace, life without a military edge.' Racist demonization of presumed enemies and worst-case scenarios of insecurity dominate life in Israel."[6]
Kirkus Reviews described the book as a "A hard-eyed look at the role of Israel's army in the creation of the Jewish state." Emphasizing that the book delves into the history of Israel and focuses "on the role of the army in becoming an apartheid state".[7]
Scharf from the Socialist Review characterizes the book as an insightful dissection of Jewish-Israeli society through the lens of its army. He commends Bresheeth-Zabner for providing a critical perspective that illuminates why the state represents a challenge not only to Palestinians but also to regional stability and global peace. According to Scharf, the book elucidates the dangers posed by a militarized, nuclear-armed state with entrenched racist policies that eschews peaceful resolutions.[8]
Belén Fernández of Jacobin praises An Army Like No Other as a compelling read that masterfully blends historical insights with personal anecdotes from deep within the system. She lauds Bresheeth-Zabner for his commendable dedication to "uncovering the truth."[9]
References
- ^ "An Army Like No Other". Verso.
- ^ Jayyusi, Lena (November 20, 2020). "Haim Bresheeth-Zabner, An Army Like No Other: How the Israeli Defence Forces Made a Nation". Journal of Holy Land and Palestine Studies. 19 (2): 224–226. doi:10.3366/hlps.2020.0244 – via CrossRef.
- ^ "An Army Like No Other by Haim Bresheeth-Zabner — Israel's military identity". www.ft.com.
- ^ "An Army Like No Other by Haim Bresheeth-Zabner book review | The TLS".
- ^ "An Army Like No Other: How The Israel Defence Forces Made a Nation – Middle East Monitor".
- ^ https://www.wrmea.org/middle-east-books-and-more/an-army-like-no-other-how-the-israel-defense-forces-made-a-nation.html
- ^ "AN ARMY LIKE NO OTHER | Kirkus Reviews" – via www.kirkusreviews.com.
- ^ "An Army Like No Other". Socialist Worker.
- ^ "Israel Is an Army With a Country Attached". jacobin.com.
External links
This page was last edited on 6 March 2024, at 20:07