Ten Myths About Israel

Ten Myths About Israel by renowned historian Ilan Pappé is a masterclass in intellectual bravery, scholarly precision, and moral clarity. With piercing insight and unflinching honesty, Pappé dismantles the foundational myths that have long shielded Israeli policies from scrutiny and distorted the narrative surrounding Palestine. Through ten accessible yet deeply researched chapters, Pappé confronts some of the most persistent falsehoods — from the idea that Palestine was "a land without a people" to the claim that Israel is the “only democracy in the Middle East.” Each myth is unpacked with rigorous historical evidence, compelling arguments, and a profound sense of justice. What makes this book especially powerful is its refusal to sanitise history for comfort. Pappé dares to name what so many others avoid: the Nakba was not a tragic accident of war, but a deliberate campaign of ethnic cleansing. His writing cuts through the fog of propaganda and reminds readers that truth-telling is an essential act of resistance. This book is a beacon for anyone seeking clarity amid the noise, a vital tool for educators, students, activists, and anyone who refuses to be complicit in silence. With elegance and urgency, Ten Myths About Israel calls us not only to rethink what we’ve been told, but to stand firmly on the side of truth and human dignity.

I am academically well informed regarding the history of Zionism and Palestine but I nonetheless found this book very informative in that it explains clearly how much of the western propaganda in support of Israel is, as the book's title makes clear, myth. It is also structured in an accessible and ordered way that provides the reader with a strong sense of how the appalling events occurring in Gaza and The West Bank today were inevitable. It is recommended reading for everyone who wants to understand not just the recolonalisation of Palestine by Zionist settlers but also help them to recognize that the same process, that is recolonization, in is taking place in many other nations, albeit in often (but not always) more subtle ways, only recently liberated from the colonial rule of the great powers of the nineteenth century.

I have already read Ilan's book The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine, so this seems a logical book to follow with, especially as it has been updated. Israel can be changed, but the real "belief" must come from within. Regardless, much can be done by outsiders such as the USA in forcing Israel to change. However, I do believe that the 2 separate states can be accomplished. I strongly believe that Palestine should be classified as an individual state but only if Gaza and the Left Bank are united. I would extend Gaza up the coast and inland by the same territory as the Left Bank has. Arab occupants of the Left Bank could relocate if they wished and the left Bank would then be part of Israel. The new Palestine would have its own sea territory, total autonomy, sea port, airport, etc. Israel took the land away; they can give some back. Anyway, thank you Mr. Pappe for a very interesting and thoughtful book. You are a brave man to be so critical of your own country even though you are not resident there.

Very informative

There is a reason academics recommend this book. If you want historical facts, historical context, scholarly reviews and a true picture of the realities around this decades long conflict, read this book.

Punchy precise and helpful. Says exactly what it does "on the tin"! In s time where truth is hidden and false histories and lies propagated, having clear and evidenced information is critical. As a Jewish Israeli historian, Professor Ilan Pappé is best placed to write this book without being accused of racism. I thoroughly recommend his other books, in particular the Ethnic cleansing of Palestine - a crucial book to read.

Brilliant. Everyone should read

Pappe is an extraordinary man who dares to know the truth. It is a scholarly, honest and compassionate book written by a Jew about the Palestinians, their right to the land on which they have lived for 2000 years. Yet, the Israeli propaganda managed to present them as intruders and the Zionists as the legal owners of the land, given to them by their god. Anybody who wants to know the truth about this very old conflict, recently enflamed, must read this book. Pappe now lives in exile in Exiter UK. This is his price for knowing.

short, easy to read, and challenges assumptions most people take for granted. A must-read for everyone.

Ten Myths

It is essential to know the history of the Palestine-Israel conflict and the many different points of view that obscure the truth.

Very interesting

Eine faktenbasierte historische Analyse des Konflikts, gut recherchiert von einem israelischen Historiker der im Ausland leehrt und wahrscheinlich aufgrund seiner kritischen Persketive im eigenen Land nicht sehr beliebt ist. Kann ich nur empfehlen.