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Løgnindustrien - et korrektiv til det falske bildet av Israel
«Israel behandler palestinerne like ille som jødene ble behandlet under andre verdenskrig.» I 2012 sa ni prosent i en meningsmåling at dette «stemmer helt». 29 prosent sa «det stemmer nokså godt». Bare én av tre nordmenn hadde kunnskap nok om Midtøsten eller andre verdenskrig til å ta avstand fra denne horrible anklagen. Det er tydelig at det er svært god etterspørsel etter løgnindustriens varer og tjenester i Norge. Det er derfor denne boken er så viktig. Ben-Dror Yemini tar for seg en rekke av anklagene mot staten Israel, og viser med en jurist og forskers grundighet hvordan de bygger på løgn. Grunnleggeren av Human Rights Watch, Robert Bernstein, var en av dem som oppmuntret Yemini til å skrive denne boken. Bernstein mener menneskerettighetsorganisasjoner, inkludert den han selv var med å starte, hjelper dem som ønsker å gjøre Israel fredløs i det internasjonale samfunnet. Løgnindustrien begynte ut fra gode intensjoner, med en generasjon europeere som tok side med den svake parten . palestinerne. Men på veien gikk noe forferdelig galt. Etterhvert var ikke intensjonene like gode lenger. Fra legitim kritikk av Israel ble sannheten vridd på og det endte opp i regelrette løgner. Løgnindustrien har skapt en av vår tids største svindelsaker.
464 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
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August 27, 2020
אל נוכח השקרים על ישראל והסכסוך עם הפלסטינים, שקרים שהתבססו באקדמיה, בעיתונות ובזרם החשיבה המרכזי, זהו ספר שקשה להפריז בחשיבותו. הוא בודק ביסודיות וביושר את העובדות, המספרים והסיבתיות כשלעצמם ובאופן השוואתי. ובהקשר הרלוונטי.
זאת ביושר, ספקנות והתלבטות אליה הוא חושף את הקורא.
שתי הסיבות שבגינן הסתפקתי בארבעה כוכבים הם האפולוגטיקה ומידת החזרה על הדברים. עם כל האומץ שבכתיבת האמת, כאשר עיקר המילייה של הכותב בז לה ולמי שמציינה, ישנה נימה חוזרת של התנצלות והצטדקות על אופן התמודדותה של ישראל, שלטעמי מופרזים. אין כאן אף מקרה ספציפי ששגוי בעיני, אלא הצטברות שנתנה לי תחושה שהכתיבה נעשית מעמדת נחיתות מוסרית, בעוד הנתונים שנחשפים מצביעים על ההיפך מכך.
אבל מה שבאמת הפריע לי הוא החזרתיות (הפעם לא אביא דוגמא עקב עצלנות). הספר הוא אוסף של מאמרים נפלאים שכל אחד מהם עומד בזכות עצמו. זו גם הבעייה, שכן כדי שכל פרק יעמוד בזכות עצמו יש צורך לחזור על ההקשר ונתוני היסוד בכל פרק ופרק. זה אולי טוב למי שקורים מאמר של ימיני פעם בכמה זמן, אך לא למי שקורא את הדברים ברצף, בספר אחד. ניתן היה לקצר את הספר במידה רבה, וע"י כך רק להשביחו. אני מקווה שההוצאות האנגלית והצרפתית אינן סובלות מבעייה זו.
זאת ביושר, ספקנות והתלבטות אליה הוא חושף את הקורא.
שתי הסיבות שבגינן הסתפקתי בארבעה כוכבים הם האפולוגטיקה ומידת החזרה על הדברים. עם כל האומץ שבכתיבת האמת, כאשר עיקר המילייה של הכותב בז לה ולמי שמציינה, ישנה נימה חוזרת של התנצלות והצטדקות על אופן התמודדותה של ישראל, שלטעמי מופרזים. אין כאן אף מקרה ספציפי ששגוי בעיני, אלא הצטברות שנתנה לי תחושה שהכתיבה נעשית מעמדת נחיתות מוסרית, בעוד הנתונים שנחשפים מצביעים על ההיפך מכך.
אבל מה שבאמת הפריע לי הוא החזרתיות (הפעם לא אביא דוגמא עקב עצלנות). הספר הוא אוסף של מאמרים נפלאים שכל אחד מהם עומד בזכות עצמו. זו גם הבעייה, שכן כדי שכל פרק יעמוד בזכות עצמו יש צורך לחזור על ההקשר ונתוני היסוד בכל פרק ופרק. זה אולי טוב למי שקורים מאמר של ימיני פעם בכמה זמן, אך לא למי שקורא את הדברים ברצף, בספר אחד. ניתן היה לקצר את הספר במידה רבה, וע"י כך רק להשביחו. אני מקווה שההוצאות האנגלית והצרפתית אינן סובלות מבעייה זו.
October 5, 2024
A hard-hitting critique of how Israel is portrayed in global media and intellectual discourse. Yemini's central argument is that there is a systematic campaign of misinformation that distorts the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, often to Israel’s detriment. He claims that Israel is unfairly singled out for condemnation, while the nuanced realities of the situation are ignored or oversimplified.
One of the book's strongest points is its meticulous dissection of media bias, especially in the context of military conflicts like the 2006 Lebanon War and multiple confrontations with Hamas in Gaza. Yemini demonstrates how coverage of events such as the 2014 Gaza War disproportionately focuses on Israeli airstrikes and civilian casualties in Gaza, while underreporting provocations from Hamas, including rocket attacks and the use of civilian areas for military purposes. This framing, according to Yemini, fuels global hostility against Israel. His analysis remains relevant in light of ongoing conflicts, including the 2023 Gaza War and renewed tensions with Hezbollah on Israel’s northern border.
A major component of Yemini’s critique revolves around the Palestinian refugee issue. He contrasts this with the displacement of millions of people following World War II, such as Germans, Poles, and Greeks, who were assimilated into their host countries without inheriting refugee status across generations. In contrast, Palestinian refugees are unique in that their refugee status is passed down, and they are served by a separate UN agency, UNRWA, unlike other refugees who fall under the UNHCR. Yemini argues that the persistence of refugee status and the unrealistic demand for a "right of return" for millions of descendants perpetuates the conflict and underscores how Israel is held to different standards compared to other nations.
Another key point Yemini addresses is the historical displacement of Jews from Arab countries following Israel’s independence in 1948. Many Jews were expelled and resettled in Israel without compensation from Arab governments. Yemini posits that this population exchange, though painful, was a common and accepted solution for ethnic conflicts at the time and argues that the Palestinian issue should be viewed in this broader context.
As an Israeli, I find myself conflicted about this book. On one hand, I agree with much of Yemini’s analysis, particularly his highlighting of the global double standards regarding Israel. It is indeed frustrating that, while the vast majority of violence against Arabs and Muslims is perpetrated by fellow Arabs and Muslims, global discourse frequently centers on Israel as the main aggressor.
However, I feel that the book underemphasizes Israel’s problematic policies in the West Bank, which is where I diverge from Yemini. While he acknowledges the issue, he doesn't give it enough weight. The situation in the West Bank, which was already concerning at the time of the book's writing, has worsened, especially since the rise of the ultra-right-wing government and the recent 2023 Gaza War. The growing influence of Jewish settlers, the tolerance for settler violence, and the double standard in the judicial system are becoming increasingly harmful. While Israel’s security measures prevent Hamas from gaining control of the West Bank, the unchecked expansion of settlements—seen by some as a solution—only intensifies the conflict.
Yemini’s book is an important resource for understanding how Israel is often misunderstood in global narratives, but it is also essential to recognize that the situation is more complex than a one-sided defense. The internal policies and actions of Israel, particularly in the West Bank, play a significant role in shaping the ongoing conflict, and a more balanced analysis would only strengthen the book's arguments.
I do recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand the facts of the Israeli Arab conflicts and the Israeli point of view.
One of the book's strongest points is its meticulous dissection of media bias, especially in the context of military conflicts like the 2006 Lebanon War and multiple confrontations with Hamas in Gaza. Yemini demonstrates how coverage of events such as the 2014 Gaza War disproportionately focuses on Israeli airstrikes and civilian casualties in Gaza, while underreporting provocations from Hamas, including rocket attacks and the use of civilian areas for military purposes. This framing, according to Yemini, fuels global hostility against Israel. His analysis remains relevant in light of ongoing conflicts, including the 2023 Gaza War and renewed tensions with Hezbollah on Israel’s northern border.
A major component of Yemini’s critique revolves around the Palestinian refugee issue. He contrasts this with the displacement of millions of people following World War II, such as Germans, Poles, and Greeks, who were assimilated into their host countries without inheriting refugee status across generations. In contrast, Palestinian refugees are unique in that their refugee status is passed down, and they are served by a separate UN agency, UNRWA, unlike other refugees who fall under the UNHCR. Yemini argues that the persistence of refugee status and the unrealistic demand for a "right of return" for millions of descendants perpetuates the conflict and underscores how Israel is held to different standards compared to other nations.
Another key point Yemini addresses is the historical displacement of Jews from Arab countries following Israel’s independence in 1948. Many Jews were expelled and resettled in Israel without compensation from Arab governments. Yemini posits that this population exchange, though painful, was a common and accepted solution for ethnic conflicts at the time and argues that the Palestinian issue should be viewed in this broader context.
As an Israeli, I find myself conflicted about this book. On one hand, I agree with much of Yemini’s analysis, particularly his highlighting of the global double standards regarding Israel. It is indeed frustrating that, while the vast majority of violence against Arabs and Muslims is perpetrated by fellow Arabs and Muslims, global discourse frequently centers on Israel as the main aggressor.
However, I feel that the book underemphasizes Israel’s problematic policies in the West Bank, which is where I diverge from Yemini. While he acknowledges the issue, he doesn't give it enough weight. The situation in the West Bank, which was already concerning at the time of the book's writing, has worsened, especially since the rise of the ultra-right-wing government and the recent 2023 Gaza War. The growing influence of Jewish settlers, the tolerance for settler violence, and the double standard in the judicial system are becoming increasingly harmful. While Israel’s security measures prevent Hamas from gaining control of the West Bank, the unchecked expansion of settlements—seen by some as a solution—only intensifies the conflict.
Yemini’s book is an important resource for understanding how Israel is often misunderstood in global narratives, but it is also essential to recognize that the situation is more complex than a one-sided defense. The internal policies and actions of Israel, particularly in the West Bank, play a significant role in shaping the ongoing conflict, and a more balanced analysis would only strengthen the book's arguments.
I do recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand the facts of the Israeli Arab conflicts and the Israeli point of view.
Read
December 18, 2025Actually really liked this, and I read a lot on the subject.
Relatively academic defense of Israel, arguing the ways that media and academia are biased against Israel. Proceeds in many chapters dedicated to small, specific topics. Very data-driven and dense. I wouldn't say there was a strong overarching thesis presented here, but rather a huge hodgepodge of scattered topics.
Relatively academic defense of Israel, arguing the ways that media and academia are biased against Israel. Proceeds in many chapters dedicated to small, specific topics. Very data-driven and dense. I wouldn't say there was a strong overarching thesis presented here, but rather a huge hodgepodge of scattered topics.
December 7, 2020
Great and full of facts
August 13, 2025
essential to understand the conflict. Very very detailed
September 4, 2025
A MUST READ.
April 23, 2015
Could use better editing.
Some of the references I followed do not support the claims by the author.
Some of the references I followed do not support the claims by the author.
Read
March 15, 2018Anyone seeking the answer lies about Israel MUST read
Anyone confronted honest or dishonest untruths about Israel, such as apartheid state, genocide, ethnic cleansing etc. must read this book. That includes some Israelis and 'as a Jew' critics. The devastating criticism of Haaretz stands out.
For all that this is not a classic. It is frequently repetitive. I gained the impression that much was a recycling of previously published op-eds and lectures.
Will it convince those who, for many reasons, have joined the 'Industry of Lies'? Probably not. Still if you haven't made up your mind or are an Israel 'advocate' looking for facts to bolster your arguments this is ghe book for you.
Anyone confronted honest or dishonest untruths about Israel, such as apartheid state, genocide, ethnic cleansing etc. must read this book. That includes some Israelis and 'as a Jew' critics. The devastating criticism of Haaretz stands out.
For all that this is not a classic. It is frequently repetitive. I gained the impression that much was a recycling of previously published op-eds and lectures.
Will it convince those who, for many reasons, have joined the 'Industry of Lies'? Probably not. Still if you haven't made up your mind or are an Israel 'advocate' looking for facts to bolster your arguments this is ghe book for you.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews