The Accidental Empire: Israel and the Birth of the Settlements, 1967-1977 by Gershom Gorenberg is a book that delves into the origins and development of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip following the Six-Day War in 1967. Gorenberg, a journalist and historian, explores how these settlements came into existence, often without a clear plan or government consensus, and how they transformed from marginal outposts to central issues in Israeli politics and society.
The book combines meticulous research, including declassified government documents and interviews, with a narrative style to examine the interplay of ideology, religion, and politics. It also highlights the roles played by individuals, such as settlers, government officials, and military leaders, in shaping this controversial aspect of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Accidental Empire (Israeli Settlements): BOOK DETAILS
The Accidental Empire: Israel and the Birth of the Settlements, 1967-1977 by Gershom Gorenberg is a compelling exploration of how Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza emerged in the decade following the Six-Day War. Gorenberg reveals how these settlements were not the result of a cohesive national strategy but rather a series of unplanned actions driven by religious ideology, political ambition, and bureaucratic indecision. Drawing on declassified documents, interviews, and extensive research, he chronicles the actions of settlers, politicians, and military leaders who helped shape this controversial aspect of Israeli history. The book illuminates how these early decisions transformed settlements from marginal communities into a central issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Gorenberg’s narrative is both engaging and thought-provoking, offering critical insights into the unintended consequences of policy and the complexities of governance in a land marked by deep historical and political tensions.
About the Author
Gershom Gorenberg is an Israeli-American journalist, historian, and author known for his insightful analyses of Israeli politics, history, and religion. Born in the United States, he moved to Israel in the 1970s and has since become a prominent voice in discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Gorenberg writes with a historian’s rigor and a journalist’s clarity, often focusing on the intersection of politics, ideology, and faith in the region. His works, including The Accidental Empire and The Unmaking of Israel, are praised for their depth and balanced perspectives. Gorenberg has also written for major publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic, and is a senior correspondent for The American Prospect.
Summary of The Accidental Empire: Israel and the Birth of the Settlements, 1967-1977 by Gershom Gorenberg
Gershom Gorenberg’s The Accidental Empire explains how Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza expanded between 1967 and 1977. These settlements did not grow because of a government plan. Instead, they emerged from religious ideas, political actions, and individual initiatives.
The book begins with Israel’s victory in the 1967 Six-Day War. This war gave Israel control over territories like the West Bank and Gaza. These areas sparked debates within Israel. Some Israelis wanted to keep the land for security. Others viewed the land as part of a religious mission. Gorenberg shows how settlers often acted independently, taking the lead before the government made decisions.
Religion played a major role. Some settlers believed the war was a divine sign. Groups like Gush Emunim felt a duty to settle the land. They moved quickly to build communities. Gorenberg explains how their beliefs influenced the settlement movement and shaped government policies.
Politics also affected the growth of settlements. Leaders such as Moshe Dayan and Golda Meir supported settlements in different ways. Dayan allowed settlers to act freely, while Meir’s government provided quiet support. These decisions accelerated settlement expansion, even when leaders had doubts about long-term goals.
Gorenberg provides insight into the settlers themselves. Through interviews and historical records, he explains their motivations. Some settlers were inspired by faith, while others sought affordable housing. Gorenberg also describes how these communities affected Palestinians and changed Israeli society.
The book highlights the international consequences of settlements. Gorenberg explains that they violated international laws, including the Geneva Conventions. Settlements also created challenges for peace talks. They complicated efforts to establish a two-state solution. Gorenberg shows how this period influenced the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
By the end of the 1970s, settlements were firmly established. Government support turned small outposts into permanent communities. Gorenberg explains how this growth created divisions in Israeli politics and society.
The book concludes by examining the settlements’ long-term impact. Gorenberg argues that these developments created significant obstacles to peace. His detailed account shows how settlements grew and why they remain a central issue today.
Book Review of The Accidental Empire: Israel and the Birth of the Settlements, 1967-1977
Gershom Gorenberg’s The Accidental Empire provides a clear and detailed account of the origins of Israeli settlements between 1967 and 1977. The author uses historical records and interviews to explain why settlements began and how they expanded.
The book effectively shows how the 1967 war impacted Israeli settlements. Gorenberg explains how Israel gained control of new territories, sparking debates and actions. He describes how settlers and political leaders made key choices that shaped the future.
Religion is a central theme. Gorenberg highlights how groups like Gush Emunim believed settling the land was a religious obligation. This belief drove settlement growth and influenced government policies. Gorenberg explains these connections in a simple and clear way.
The book also examines the role of politics. Leaders like Moshe Dayan and Golda Meir made decisions that encouraged settlements. These leaders’ actions, whether direct or indirect, helped expand settlements. Gorenberg shows how religion and politics worked together during this period.
Gorenberg’s portrayal of settlers is balanced. He explains their reasons for moving to the West Bank and Gaza. Some settlers were motivated by faith, while others sought economic benefits. The book describes their daily lives and the impact they had on Palestinians. This makes the narrative engaging and relatable.
However, the book has some limitations. Its detailed focus on 1967 to 1977 may overwhelm readers unfamiliar with the topic. Gorenberg includes many names, dates, and events, which can be challenging for casual readers. Additionally, the book does not cover later developments in settlement growth.
Despite these issues, The Accidental Empire is a valuable resource. It provides a thorough explanation of how settlements started and why they remain important today. Gorenberg’s arguments are clear and supported by evidence. His writing is straightforward and easy to understand.
This book is useful for anyone interested in Israeli settlements. It explains their history and their impact on peace efforts. Gorenberg shows how religion, politics, and society interacted to shape this issue. The book also offers lessons for modern leaders. The Accidental Empire is an important read for those seeking to understand Israeli history and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Here are five related books to The Accidental Empire:
- The Iron Wall: Israel and the Arab World by Avi Shlaim
Avi Shlaim’s The Iron Wall: Israel and the Arab World provides a critical analysis of Israeli foreign policy, updated with new insights on recent leadership. It explores the 1920s “Iron Wall” doctrine, which emphasized peace with Arab neighbors through military strength, a strategy that shaped Israeli policy for decades. Shlaim argues that this approach marginalized dissenting voices and missed opportunities for reconciliation with Palestinian Arabs. Drawing on fresh materials and interviews, the book scrutinizes Israel’s political and military decisions, offering a balanced yet uncompromising perspective. Essential for understanding the complexities of Israeli-Arab relations, it challenges partisans on all sides of this enduring conflict. - Land, Labor and the Origins of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, 1882-1914 by Gershon Shafir
Gershon Shafir challenges traditional narratives about the founding of the State of Israel by examining the early Zionist struggle for control over land and labor. He argues that the character of the Israeli state was shaped less by imported Zionist ideals and more by the specific dynamics of the local conflict between European settlers and the Palestinian Arab population. - The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine by Ilan Pappé
Between 1947 and 1949, over 400 Palestinian villages were destroyed, civilians were killed, and nearly a million Palestinians were forcibly expelled from their homes. Ilan Pappe, using extensive archival evidence, challenges the long-standing myth that Palestinians left voluntarily, arguing that the forced removal of the indigenous population was a deliberate strategy central to Israel’s founding ideology. His analysis reframes these events as ethnic cleansing and provides essential context for understanding the ongoing Middle East crisis. - The Battle for Justice in Palestine by Ali Abunimah
Ali Abunimah, a leading advocate for Palestinian liberation, provides a thorough analysis of the Israel-Palestine conflict and the potential for Palestinian victory in The Battle for Justice in Palestine. He examines the political dynamics behind the ongoing violence, the impact of neoliberalism on the region, and the growing strength of the Palestine solidarity movement. A proponent of a one-state solution based on equality, Abunimah offers a hopeful vision for overcoming Israeli apartheid and colonialism. - The Road to Jerusalem: Glubb Pasha, the Arabs, and the British by Benny Morris
This book explores the vision and actions of General Sir John Glubb, British pro-Consul in the Middle East and commander of the Arab Legion from 1936 to 1956. Focusing on 1948, it provides an in-depth account of Glubb’s leadership as he led his small army into Palestine and war against Israel. Using newly uncovered intelligence from British, Arab Legion, and Israel Defense Forces sources, the book examines his objectives and decisions, shedding light on the debates between “Old” and “New” historians of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
These books also explore the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Israeli policy, and the history of the region.
My Goodreads Review
The Accidental Empire: Israel and the Birth of the Settlements, 1967-1977
by Gershom Gorenberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Generally a boring book to read but very informative. Now I understand why the settlements are a hindrance to Israeli-Palestinian peace.
The book offers an exploration of the origins of Israel’s settlement enterprise following the Six-Day War. The author looks into the complexities of this pivotal period in Israeli history, analyzing the political, ideological, and historical factors that contributed to the establishment of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. The book provides insights into the motivations behind the settlement movement and its impact on Israeli society and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The author’s approach challenges conventional narratives, making this book essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges of achieving a lasting peace.
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