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The Prime Ministers

April 09, 2024

The Prime Ministers: An Intimate Narrative of Israeli Leadership is a 2010 book written by Yehuda Avner and published by Toby Press. It documented events related to 4 Israeli prime ministers—Levi Eshkol, Golda Meir, Yitzhak Rabin and Menachem Begin. It was first published in Israel on 15 March 2010 and a wider publication was done on 1 September 2010. The book was well received by critics and was one of the finalists for the 2010 National Jewish Book Awards. In 2013, Moriah Films, the film division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center produced a two-part documentary based on the book that features Avner as the narrator, and Hollywood actors as the voices of Israel's prime ministers.

The Prime Ministers
AuthorYehuda Avner
CountryIsrael
LanguageEnglish
SubjectPrime Minister of Israel
Levi Eshkol
Golda Meir
Yitzhak Rabin
Menachem Begin
PublishedMarch 15, 2010 by Toby Press
Pages715
ISBN978-1-59264-278-6
OCLC758724969

Background edit

Yehuda Avner had served as Israel's ambassador to Great Britain, Ireland and Australia. He has also been speechwriter and secretary to Levi Eshkol and Golda Meir before becoming adviser to Yitzhak Rabin, Menachem Begin and Shimon Peres.[1] He had also worked with Rabin when he was serving as an ambassador to the United States.[2] Impressed by Avner's writing skills, Begin called him "[his] Shakespeare."[2] During his service he made notes and recorded several important events and conversations.[3]

Summary edit

Avner wrote that the book was not a "conventional biography or memoir".[4] Text from a condolence letter written by Jehan Sadat, Anwar Sadat's widow to Begin in November 1982 after the latter's spouse had died, was also included.[5] Begin wanted to publish a memoir titled From Destruction to Redemption. He considered Henry Kissinger, the only United States Secretary of State who "ever truly understood the Israel-Arab conflict".[6] During a diplomatic meeting in Israel, one of Kissinger's friend from his schooldays in Germany, greeted him. Instead of replying, Kissinger ignored him. Then his friend, a psychiatrist by profession gave Avner an analysis of Kissinger's psychology. He explained that though Kissinger presented himself as a man of strong will and self-assurance but he had "a tendency to paranoia, and an excessive sense of failure". He also asked Avner to inform Rabin that "deep inside" Kissinger was "an insecure and paranoid Jew."[7] Avner also included account of his conversation with an English baroness who told him that Margaret Thatcher had Jews in her cabinet because she was "most comfortable among the lower-middle class."[8] Though initially Avner hesitated to work with Begin, he considered him "exceptional" among all the 4 prime ministers discussed.[8] Rabin advised Avner to work with Begin, as he was "[his] kind of Jew".[9]

Eshkol, Meir and Rabin did not trust Abba Eban, Foreign Affairs Minister of Israel from 1966-1974. Eshkol even called him a "knowledgeable fool". He also said of him, "Eban never gives the right solution, only the right speech."[10] Avner wrote that he was unhappy with his service under Peres.[11] During the Yom Kippur War (1973), European social democratic governments did not help Israel and eventually Meir rebuked them during a Socialist International meeting after the war.[11] When Begin ordered the 1981 bombing on the under construction nuclear reactor Osirak in Iraq, US president Ronald Reagan was surprised by the decision and why the Israeli government had not informed United States about its concerns regarding the Iraqi nuclear program.[12] A paper detailing the plan, was prepared by the transition team but officials in the Carter administration were not able to inform their successors regarding it.[13] A few days prior to Rabin's assassination, Avner questioned him why did he shook hands with Yasser Arafat. He replied that peace with him was a "long shot", that Israel's immediate neighbors—Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia would be destabilized by Iran-sponsored Islamic fundamentalism. He explained that Arafat and Palestinian Liberation Organization were the only hopes for a secular Palestine.[14] The author had also included his biography in the book.[1]

Reception edit

David Rodman (Israel Affairs) opined that though the book was hefty, it did not provide much information regarding Israel's diplomatic history or foreign policy during 1960s–1980s. He praised Avner for "[painting] compelling and insightful portraits of the different philosophies, motivations and reactions" of the book's subjects.[15] George Gruen (American Foreign Policy Interests) called it an "ultimate insider’s account",[5] "an outstanding work of political analysis of the intricacies of Middle East politics"[6] and praised Avner for portraying the problems faced by the Prime Ministers. He recommended this book to everyone who wanted to have a deep understanding of contemporary Middle East.[6] Asaf Romirowsky (The Middle East Quarterly) wrote that "The Prime Ministers gave [...] special insights into the internal, as well as personal, workings of the Jewish state and is of particular value for understanding the nature and complexity of the U.S.-Israeli alliance."[16] Donald Macintyre (Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs) called it an "important documentary source for future historians".[8] He opined that direct speech was used excessively and a "more ruthless editor" could have done better.[4]

The Prime Ministers was well received by politicians as well. Benjamin Netanyahu called it "fantastic" and Hillary Clinton termed it "a sweeping tome on Israeli politics and history."[17] Manfred Gerstenfeld (Jewish Political Studies Review) said that a short review of the book was not justifiable.[1] He wrote that readers who had a keen interest in Israel's history and politics would find the book very useful and of great value.[10] The book was one of the finalists for the 2010 National Jewish Book Awards in the biography, autobiography and memoir category.[18][19]

Film adaptation edit

The Prime Ministers, a two-part documentary based on the book, was produced by Moriah Films, the film division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and directed by Richard Trank. Part I, The Prime Ministers: The Pioneers was released in 2013. Yehuda Avner narrates the film, Leonard Nimoy provides the voice of Israeli Prime Minister Levi Eshkol and Sandra Bullock provides the voice of Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir. Part II, The Prime Ministers: Soldiers & Peacemakers was released in 2014. Yehuda Avner narrates the film, Michael Douglas provides the voice of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Christoph Waltz provides the voice of Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin.

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Gerstenfeld 2010, p. 138.
  2. ^ a b Horovitz, David (12 March 2010). . The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 17 April 2014. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  3. ^ Round, Simon (21 October 2010). . The Jewish Chronicle. Archived from the original on 6 May 2014. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  4. ^ a b Macintyre 2010, p. 163.
  5. ^ a b Gruen 2012, p. 169.
  6. ^ a b c Gruen 2012, p. 170.
  7. ^ Rosenblum, Jonathan (23 December 2010). . The Jewish Weekly. San Francisco Jewish Community Publications Inc. Archived from the original on 2 January 2011. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  8. ^ a b c Macintyre 2010, p. 161.
  9. ^ Macintyre 2010, p. 162.
  10. ^ a b Gerstenfeld 2010, p. 140.
  11. ^ a b Gerstenfeld 2010, p. 139.
  12. ^ Shattan, Joseph. . The American Spectator. Archived from the original on 1 September 2014. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  13. ^ Avner, Yehuda (18 March 2014). . The Jewish Week. New York City. Archived from the original on 26 January 2015. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  14. ^ Horovitz, David (5 March 2010). . The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 5 September 2013. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  15. ^ Rodman 2012, p. 313.
  16. ^ Romirowsky 2012.
  17. ^ Tugend, Tom (16 November 2011). . The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles. Archived from the original on 19 January 2012. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  18. ^ Fax, Julie Gruenbaum (15 May 2012). . The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles. Archived from the original on 26 January 2015. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  19. ^ . The Huffington Post. 13 January 2011. Archived from the original on 26 November 2014. Retrieved 22 January 2015.

Sources edit

  • Gruen, George (2012). "The Prime Ministers: An Intimate Narrative of Israeli Leadership. By Yehuda Avner". American Foreign Policy Interests. 34 (3): 169–170. doi:10.1080/10803920.2012.686730. ISSN 1080-3920. S2CID 154180041.
  • Gerstenfeld, Manfred (Fall 2010). "A Rich Retrospective". Jewish Political Studies Review. 22 (3/4): 137–140. JSTOR 25834909.
  • Rodman, David (April 2012). "The Prime Ministers: An Intimate Narrative of Israeli Leadership". Israel Affairs. 18 (2): 313. doi:10.1080/13537121.2012.659083. ISSN 1353-7121. S2CID 216151208.
  • Macintyre, Donald (2010). (PDF). Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs. 4 (3): 161–164. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 January 2015. Retrieved 19 January 2015.  
  • Romirowsky, Asaf (Winter 2012). . The Middle East Quarterly. 19 (1). Archived from the original on 10 July 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2015.  

External links edit

April 09, 2024
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The Prime Ministers An Intimate Narrative of Israeli Leadership is a 2010 book written by Yehuda Avner and published by Toby Press It documented events related to 4 Israeli prime ministers Levi Eshkol Golda Meir Yitzhak Rabin and Menachem Begin It was first published in Israel on 15 March 2010 and a wider publication was done on 1 September 2010 The book was well received by critics and was one of the finalists for the 2010 National Jewish Book Awards In 2013 Moriah Films the film division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center produced a two part documentary based on the book that features Avner as the narrator and Hollywood actors as the voices of Israel s prime ministers The Prime MinistersAuthorYehuda AvnerCountryIsraelLanguageEnglishSubjectPrime Minister of IsraelLevi EshkolGolda MeirYitzhak RabinMenachem BeginPublishedMarch 15 2010 by Toby PressPages715ISBN978 1 59264 278 6OCLC758724969 Contents 1 Background 2 Summary 3 Reception 4 Film adaptation 5 References 6 Sources 7 External linksBackground editYehuda Avner had served as Israel s ambassador to Great Britain Ireland and Australia He has also been speechwriter and secretary to Levi Eshkol and Golda Meir before becoming adviser to Yitzhak Rabin Menachem Begin and Shimon Peres 1 He had also worked with Rabin when he was serving as an ambassador to the United States 2 Impressed by Avner s writing skills Begin called him his Shakespeare 2 During his service he made notes and recorded several important events and conversations 3 Summary editAvner wrote that the book was not a conventional biography or memoir 4 Text from a condolence letter written by Jehan Sadat Anwar Sadat s widow to Begin in November 1982 after the latter s spouse had died was also included 5 Begin wanted to publish a memoir titled From Destruction to Redemption He considered Henry Kissinger the only United States Secretary of State who ever truly understood the Israel Arab conflict 6 During a diplomatic meeting in Israel one of Kissinger s friend from his schooldays in Germany greeted him Instead of replying Kissinger ignored him Then his friend a psychiatrist by profession gave Avner an analysis of Kissinger s psychology He explained that though Kissinger presented himself as a man of strong will and self assurance but he had a tendency to paranoia and an excessive sense of failure He also asked Avner to inform Rabin that deep inside Kissinger was an insecure and paranoid Jew 7 Avner also included account of his conversation with an English baroness who told him that Margaret Thatcher had Jews in her cabinet because she was most comfortable among the lower middle class 8 Though initially Avner hesitated to work with Begin he considered him exceptional among all the 4 prime ministers discussed 8 Rabin advised Avner to work with Begin as he was his kind of Jew 9 Eshkol Meir and Rabin did not trust Abba Eban Foreign Affairs Minister of Israel from 1966 1974 Eshkol even called him a knowledgeable fool He also said of him Eban never gives the right solution only the right speech 10 Avner wrote that he was unhappy with his service under Peres 11 During the Yom Kippur War 1973 European social democratic governments did not help Israel and eventually Meir rebuked them during a Socialist International meeting after the war 11 When Begin ordered the 1981 bombing on the under construction nuclear reactor Osirak in Iraq US president Ronald Reagan was surprised by the decision and why the Israeli government had not informed United States about its concerns regarding the Iraqi nuclear program 12 A paper detailing the plan was prepared by the transition team but officials in the Carter administration were not able to inform their successors regarding it 13 A few days prior to Rabin s assassination Avner questioned him why did he shook hands with Yasser Arafat He replied that peace with him was a long shot that Israel s immediate neighbors Egypt Jordan Syria and Saudi Arabia would be destabilized by Iran sponsored Islamic fundamentalism He explained that Arafat and Palestinian Liberation Organization were the only hopes for a secular Palestine 14 The author had also included his biography in the book 1 Reception editDavid Rodman Israel Affairs opined that though the book was hefty it did not provide much information regarding Israel s diplomatic history or foreign policy during 1960s 1980s He praised Avner for painting compelling and insightful portraits of the different philosophies motivations and reactions of the book s subjects 15 George Gruen American Foreign Policy Interests called it an ultimate insider s account 5 an outstanding work of political analysis of the intricacies of Middle East politics 6 and praised Avner for portraying the problems faced by the Prime Ministers He recommended this book to everyone who wanted to have a deep understanding of contemporary Middle East 6 Asaf Romirowsky The Middle East Quarterly wrote that The Prime Ministers gave special insights into the internal as well as personal workings of the Jewish state and is of particular value for understanding the nature and complexity of the U S Israeli alliance 16 Donald Macintyre Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs called it an important documentary source for future historians 8 He opined that direct speech was used excessively and a more ruthless editor could have done better 4 The Prime Ministers was well received by politicians as well Benjamin Netanyahu called it fantastic and Hillary Clinton termed it a sweeping tome on Israeli politics and history 17 Manfred Gerstenfeld Jewish Political Studies Review said that a short review of the book was not justifiable 1 He wrote that readers who had a keen interest in Israel s history and politics would find the book very useful and of great value 10 The book was one of the finalists for the 2010 National Jewish Book Awards in the biography autobiography and memoir category 18 19 Film adaptation editThe Prime Ministers a two part documentary based on the book was produced by Moriah Films the film division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and directed by Richard Trank Part I The Prime Ministers The Pioneers was released in 2013 Yehuda Avner narrates the film Leonard Nimoy provides the voice of Israeli Prime Minister Levi Eshkol and Sandra Bullock provides the voice of Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir Part II The Prime Ministers Soldiers amp Peacemakers was released in 2014 Yehuda Avner narrates the film Michael Douglas provides the voice of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Christoph Waltz provides the voice of Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin References edit a b c Gerstenfeld 2010 p 138 a b Horovitz David 12 March 2010 Governing Israel Ultimate insider s account The Jerusalem Post Archived from the original on 17 April 2014 Retrieved 22 January 2015 Round Simon 21 October 2010 Interview Yehuda Avner The Jewish Chronicle Archived from the original on 6 May 2014 Retrieved 21 January 2015 a b Macintyre 2010 p 163 a b Gruen 2012 p 169 a b c Gruen 2012 p 170 Rosenblum Jonathan 23 December 2010 Putting Kissinger on the couch to analyze his gas chambers comment The Jewish Weekly San Francisco Jewish Community Publications Inc Archived from the original on 2 January 2011 Retrieved 23 January 2015 a b c Macintyre 2010 p 161 Macintyre 2010 p 162 a b Gerstenfeld 2010 p 140 a b Gerstenfeld 2010 p 139 Shattan Joseph Engaging Israel The American Spectator Archived from the original on 1 September 2014 Retrieved 22 January 2015 Avner Yehuda 18 March 2014 The American Diplomat Menachem Begin Trusted The Jewish Week New York City Archived from the original on 26 January 2015 Retrieved 23 January 2015 Horovitz David 5 March 2010 Rabin thought peace with Arafat was only a long shot The Jerusalem Post Archived from the original on 5 September 2013 Retrieved 25 January 2015 Rodman 2012 p 313 Romirowsky 2012 Tugend Tom 16 November 2011 Avner s Prime Ministers to be adapted for two U S films The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles Archived from the original on 19 January 2012 Retrieved 21 January 2015 Fax Julie Gruenbaum 15 May 2012 Prime Ministers author to speak in Beverly Hills The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles Archived from the original on 26 January 2015 Retrieved 21 January 2015 2010 National Jewish Book Awards Announced The Huffington Post 13 January 2011 Archived from the original on 26 November 2014 Retrieved 22 January 2015 Sources editGruen George 2012 The Prime Ministers An Intimate Narrative of Israeli Leadership By Yehuda Avner American Foreign Policy Interests 34 3 169 170 doi 10 1080 10803920 2012 686730 ISSN 1080 3920 S2CID 154180041 Gerstenfeld Manfred Fall 2010 A Rich Retrospective Jewish Political Studies Review 22 3 4 137 140 JSTOR 25834909 Rodman David April 2012 The Prime Ministers An Intimate Narrative of Israeli Leadership Israel Affairs 18 2 313 doi 10 1080 13537121 2012 659083 ISSN 1353 7121 S2CID 216151208 Macintyre Donald 2010 The Prime Ministers An Intimate Narrative of Israeli Leadership by Yehuda Avner PDF Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs 4 3 161 164 Archived from the original PDF on 26 January 2015 Retrieved 19 January 2015 nbsp Romirowsky Asaf Winter 2012 The Prime Ministers An Intimate Narrative of Israeli Leadership The Middle East Quarterly 19 1 Archived from the original on 10 July 2014 Retrieved 19 January 2015 nbsp External links editThe Prime Ministers at Toby Press The Prime Ministers at Google BooksPortals nbsp Books nbsp Israel nbsp Politics Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title The Prime Ministers amp oldid 1135454251, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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