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The Iron Wall: Israel and the Arab World (Book)

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In 1897, under order of First Zionist Congress president Theodor Herzl, two Austrian rabbis travelled to Palestine to explore the possibility of locating a Jewish state there. "The bride is beautiful", the rabbis cabled Herzl, "but she is married to another man". That "other man" was the Palestinian Arab nation, long established in the region as a political entity. Undeterred, Herzl pressed on with his programme of emigration, ignoring Palestine's existing occupants and creating in the process what came to be known as the "Arab question".

In this far-ranging history, Avi Shlaim analyses that question in remarkable detail, tracing the shifting policies of Israel toward the Palestinians and the Arab world at large. Herzl, he writes, followed a policy that consciously sought to enlist the great powers--principally Britain and later the United States--while dismissing indigenous claims to sovereignty; after all, Herzl argued, "the Arab problem paled in significance compared with the Jewish problem because the Arabs had vast spaces outside Palestine, whereas for the Jews, who were being persecuted in Europe, Palestine constituted the only possible haven". This policy later changed to a stance of confrontation against the admittedly hostile surrounding Arab powers, especially Syria, Jordan and Egypt; this militant stance was a source of controversy in the international community, and it also divided Israelis into hawk and dove factions. The intransigence of those hawks, Shlaim shows, served to alienate Israel and made it possible for the Palestine Liberation Organisation and other Arab nationalist groups to enlist the support of the great powers that Herzl had long before courted. Both sides, in turn, had eventually to face the "historic compromise" that led to the present peace in the Middle East--a peace that, the author suggests, may not endure. --Gregory McNamee
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"This book is not the definitive history of the Israel-Arab confilct. It ishowever incredibly useful to read if you are a student (formally orinformally) of the region. As Israeli history is still vehemently foughtover, as well as the territory itself, Shlaim's book is one of MANY thatneeds to be read and critically analysed. Read it, and then proceed byreading Efraim Karsh, just to name one contemporary author that might giveyou an alternative view. Because Shlaim's book is exhausting (see otherreview on this page), the reader might feel it is also exhaustive. Farfrom it." This book has great information about Israel. So take it with you when you Rent a Alternative Holiday Casa in Israel.

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Israel: A History (Book)

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"This is a big book - in more senses than one - but it is extremely readable (note: the author is Churchill's official biographer). Starting with the efforts of the early Zionists in the 1860s and ending with the Peace Process of the 1990s, Gilbert gives an extremely thorough and balanced history of Israel and her struggle to come to terms with her neighbours. This must remain the definitive study for the foreseeable future." Before renting a Vocation or Holiday Apartment in Israel, I would buy this book to guide you round the local areas in Israel.

"Martin Gilberts book on Israel was my first real reading material on the complex situation in the Middle East and its main player. I found his writing style to be very easy to read and as a result finished off the book quite quickly. He tells the story of Israel with evident passion and also I think a balanced view which is of great importance for such a subject." If you are thinking about renting a Holiday Properties in Israel, I would buy this book to take with you while in Israel.

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Israel (Gold Guides) (Book)

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"Things I wanted to find out that weren't mentioned anywhere in this book: are there lots of biting insects? Some basic phrases (please, thank you etc)...how comfortable would a lone female feel? How easy is it to get truly vegetarian food?" This book has wonderfull information about Israel. So take it with you when you Rent a Holiday Property in Israel.

"We took a trip to Israel and, before we left, we bought a copy of Fodor's Israel. It was an excellent resource. Even though we had a relative making reservations for us in Jerusalem, the guide was a lifesaver when we headed to Eilat." This book has a wealth of information on Israel, well worth reading if you renting a Vacation Property in Israel.

"We took a trip to Israel and, before we left, we bought a copy of Fodor's Israel. It was an excellent resource. Even though we had a relative making reservations for us in Jerusalem, the guide was a lifesaver when we headed to Eilat." Why not buy this book, and read while on your Vocation or Holiday in Israel. It would be so usefull when you Rent a Vocation or Holiday Apartment in Israel.

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Israel and the Palestinian Territories: The Rough Guide (Book)

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"A great guide that is easy to use easy to follow and is great for planning excursions to The Holy Land. The research has been carefully carried out and often takes in various points which other guide books miss.It gives a different focus upon places which generates a totally new perspective as you travel. The book enables you to experience the culture and the people in a way which is so easy to miss when travelling. The Rough Guide to Isreal and the Palestinian Territories is an essential travel compnaion and will not let you down" Before renting a Holiday Cottage in Israel, I would read this book.

"Despite the 1998 publishing date, I used this for a two week trip to Israel in December 04. Generally very good with the usual thorough Rough Guide background sections. Not too much problem with out of date information, but the lodging sections desperately need updating. Six years is a long time." If you are thinking about renting a Holiday Casas in Israel, I would buy this book to take with you while in Israel.

"The guide was basic and gave general information. Would have like to have more history on places of interest. But good over all guide. I found the Knolf guide excellant for history, architech, customs and arts of the area. A good refernance to Palestinian Territories." Before renting a Holiday Apartment in Israel, I would read this book while in Israel.