The Unmaking of Israel

The Unmaking of Israel examines how Israel's post-1967 policies and decisions have challenged the nation's democratic principles and founding vision. Through historical analysis and reporting, Gorenberg documents the evolution of settlement expansion, military occupation, and the growing influence of religious institutions on state affairs. The book traces key developments across multiple sectors of Israeli society, from the military to the educational system to the judiciary. Gorenberg draws on extensive research and interviews to reconstruct pivotal moments and policy shifts that have shaped modern Israel's trajectory. The narrative focuses on three main threads: the settlement movement and its impact, the role of state-funded religious institutions, and the changing nature of Israeli democracy. These elements are examined both independently and in their complex interactions with each other. At its core, this work raises fundamental questions about national identity, religious authority, and democratic values in the modern state of Israel. The book serves as both a historical investigation and a call for institutional reform.

Readers describe this as a detailed examination of Israel's settlement policies and religious-state relations. Many note its clear explanations of complex historical events. Positives: - Research depth and extensive source documentation - Balanced perspective that critiques policies while supporting Israel's existence - Clear writing style that makes complex topics accessible - Specific policy recommendations in final chapters Negatives: - Some readers found it too critical of Orthodox Judaism - A few note it overlooks certain Arab/Palestinian perspectives - Several mention the writing can be dry at times Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (31 ratings) Reader quote: "Gorenberg presents the facts clearly and lets them speak for themselves rather than engaging in polemics" - Amazon reviewer Most reviews indicate readers appreciated the book's thorough analysis regardless of whether they agreed with all conclusions.

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🔹 Gershom Gorenberg developed his expertise on Israeli politics and society while working as a journalist in Jerusalem for over three decades, where he continues to live and write. 🔹 The book argues that Israel's ongoing occupation of territories captured in 1967 poses an existential threat to its democratic nature - a controversial stance that sparked intense debate among scholars and policymakers. 🔹 Prior to writing The Unmaking of Israel, Gorenberg authored The Accidental Empire, which examined the origins of the Israeli settlement movement after the Six-Day War. 🔹 The author's central thesis challenges the common view that external threats are Israel's biggest problem, suggesting instead that internal policies and decisions pose a greater risk to the nation's future. 🔹 Despite being a practicing Orthodox Jew, Gorenberg critically examines the growing power of ultra-Orthodox groups in Israeli society and their impact on state institutions.