Book · 2026 · History
Israel: What Went Wrong?
Orwell Prize for Political Writing Finalist 2026
Why people recommend it
Israel: What Went Wrong? by Omer Bartov is a critical interpretation examining the historical trajectory and contemporary political realities of Israel. Speaking on The Ezra Klein Show, Shibley Telhami recommended the new book as part of his curated reading list. Telhami mentioned that he had the opportunity to read the galley proofs prior to publication and found the work to be a very powerful interpretation of events within a nation that was originally built, in part, with specific idealistic foundations. The volume provides a searching analysis of the internal and external pressures that have shaped the country's turbulent political landscape and ongoing societal dilemmas.
Who recommended it
- Shibley Telhami Recommended
Shibley Telhami — 1 mention
“The second book is by Omer Bartov. Omer has a New book. It’s called "Israel: What Went Wrong?" It’s coming out this month. I happened to read the galleys before it came out, and it’s very powerful kind of interpretation of what happened in Israel, a country that was essentially, in part built to protect Jews globally and in fact”