The Idea of Israel by Ilan Pappe, book review

Complex diplomatic conundrum: Dome of the Rock, in Jerusalem's Old City (EPA)

When I first visited Israel, crossing the border in the south of the country from Jordan, the burly (and as ever, heavily armed) guard at passport control asked, rather bizarrely it felt at the time, how we had heard of Israel. An odd question perhaps, but in retrospect, he probably meant what were our views on the Jewish state: whether we supported the Zionist project or whether our sympathies lay with the occupied Palestinians.

Professor Ilan Pappe’s book – The Idea of Israel - takes this line of enquiry somewhat further, questioning the progression of Zionism; looking at its evolution and the institutions that have supported it, and indeed, how this central principle of modern Jewry has increasingly come under scrutiny, not just from the usual, external, protagonists, but also increasingly, from within Israel itself. And whether crucially, these institutions have helped to shape set of norms by which the state is able to shape realities.

Modern Israel, and its relationships with other states, remains one of the most complex diplomatic conundrums on Earth, and in truth there is rarely a binary answer to many of the questions that persist about Israel. Inside the country, this is equally true. Rarely are elections fought (with the 2013 ballot possibly being an exception) on questions other than security and Israel’s standing in the rest of the world.

What Professor Pappe’s book explores is whether Zionism as the cornerstone of Israel has in fact been manipulated by the state and institutions such as universities and the media to provide a justification for the reality on the ground.

The book comes at an interesting time for Israel and its neighbours. John Kerry’s peace process refuses to die, despite elements on both sides seemingly united only in their opposition to it, and realities in a turbulent Middle East mean that Israel and traditional foes, especially those in the Persian Gulf, find themselves in rare agreement, especially in relation to the thorny issues of Syria and a nuclear Iran.

Zionism has long dictated how Israel deals with these situations. Professor Pappe’s book serves to remind policy makers and readers that ideology can and often is transformed to suit serve a particular narrative. It is an academic book at its core, and assumes a fair amount of knowledge, but nonetheless explores original ideas that will challenge readers and decision makers alike.