Israel on the Brink

A renowned historian argues that we are seeing the beginning of the end of the Zionist project, and considers the issues that must be centered for a sustainable and peaceful future for Palestinians and Jews to emerge In this urgent and timely book, historian Ilan Pappé, argues that the beginning of the end of the Jewish state began in 2022 with the election of the most right-wing government in the nation’s history. Long known for his willingness to expose the myths Israeli society has been built upon, Pappé sets out his thoughts about the risks and opportunities emerging from the horrors of this historical moment, and the eight "mini-revolutions" that could pave the way to a better future. Israel on the Brink begins with a look back, explaining why the so-called peace process of 1967 to today have not only failed, but sown more violence. The second section of the book focuses on just what these indicators of the end of the Zionist project of Israel are, and what they imply. The last section describes the issues that must be central for anyone involved in bringing an end to the violence and bloodshed and concerned about what will fill the political vacuum created by the demise of Israel. In chapters that embody a mix of hopeful projection and sober analysis, Pappé discusses eight “mini-revolutions” that have to occur for a different, less violent, and more hopeful future to occur including: Relocating the Right of Return of the Palestinian refugees to the center of the future vision; A new definition for the Jewish collective in historical Palestine; Finalizing a plan for what will be the future of the Jewish settlements built in the West Bank since 1967; and A new strategy for a united Palestinian national movement. Israel on the Brink is a much-needed antidote to popular dystopic thinking about the conflict, and a glimpse into how Israel and Palestine might look should these mini-revolutions succeed.