Books about Israel and the Middle East encompass many works focused on Israel and the broader Middle East region. It includes literature, non-fiction, and academic texts that explore the area’s rich history, diverse cultures, and complex political dynamics. Topics covered may include the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the historical and modern-day geopolitical landscape, religious and cultural traditions, and the social and economic developments within the region. Authors provide in-depth analyses and personal narratives that shed light on the multifaceted relationships and issues shaping Israel and its neighbors. Readers will find insightful perspectives on peace processes, conflicts, human rights, and the ongoing quest for stability and understanding in one of the world’s most historically significant regions. Here are our books about Israel and the Middle East.
In Target Tehran, Authors Yonah Bob and Ilan Evyatar describe how Israel has used cyberwarfare, targeted assassinations, and sabotage of Iranian facilities to great effect, sometimes in cooperation with the United States. The remarkable story of how Israel used sabotage, assassination, cyberwar—and diplomacy—to thwart Iran’s development of nuclear weapons and, in the process, reshaped the Middle East.
The Only Woman in the Room | Golda Meir and Her Path to Power by Pnina Lahav tells the story of the fascinating life of Golda Meir, the first and only female Prime Minister of Israel. Exploring the tensions between Meir’s personal and political identities, The Only Woman in the Room, provides a groundbreaking new account of Meir’s life while also illuminating the difficulties all women face as they try to ascend in male-dominated fields.
Searching for Peace | A Memoir of Israel by Ehud Olmert is the compelling memoir of former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert who almost made peace with the Palestinians. The book offers a riveting political story and an unparalleled window into Israeli history, peacemaking, politics, U.S.-Israel relations, and the future of the Middle East. Olmert wrote the book almost entirely from inside a prison cell after being convicted of bribery charges in 2014.
A Raid on the Red Sea | The Israeli Capture of the Karine A by Amos Gilboa is the thrilling, real-life tale of illegal gun-running in the Middle East. In this firsthand account, Amos Gilboa gives the harrowing details of the secret close-working relations between Israeli and American intelligence in the seizure of the Karine A ship, the most successful Israeli intelligence operation since the legendary Entebbe hostage rescue.
The War of Return | How Western Indulgence of the Palestinian Dream Has Obstructed the Path to Peace by Adi Schwartz and Einat Wilf looks further into how the permanent “refugee” problem is hindering peace between Israel and Palestine. They argue that this Palestinian demand for a “right of return” has no legal or moral basis and make an impassioned plea for the world to recognize this fact, for the good of Israelis and Palestinians alike.
Catch ’67 | The Left, The Right and The Legacy of the Six Day War by Micah Goodman, a best-selling Israeli author analyzes the complicated situation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through philosophical critique and political analysis, Goodman builds a creative, compelling case for pragmatism in a dispute where a comprehensive solution seems impossible.
Shadow Strike | Inside Israel’s Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power by Yaakov Katz dives into the covert Israeli mission to stop Syria from gaining nuclear power. The book tells the story of the espionage, political courage, military might and psychological warfare behind Israel’s daring operation to stop one of the greatest known acts of nuclear proliferation.
Sword and Scimitar | Fourteen Centuries of War between Islam and the West by Raymond Ibrahim highlights the many battles between the West and the Islamic world. The book provides the needed historical context to understand the current relationship between the West and the Islamic world — and why the Islamic State is merely the latest chapter of an old history.
Hearts and Minds | Israel and the Battle for Public Opinion by Nachman Shai looks into the political and economic platforms of Israel and how they are being played on the world’s stage. The author examines how Israel deliberated its response in an environment where the state is only one of the players in a global arena.
The Woman Who Fought an Empire | Sarah Aaronsohn and Her Nili Spy Ring by Gregory Wallance explores the secret life of Sarah Aaronsohn as she leads a spy network to take down the Ottoman Empire. The book tells the true odyssey of a bold young woman who became the daring leader of a Middle East spy ring.
Peter and Amy Bernstein founded Bernstein Literary Agency in 2009. For over two decades, we have worked with over 100 brilliant authors around the globe and across a gamut of subjects to get their books published, and their stories told. We typically work on non-fiction projects, but we have helped bring many fiction books, children’s books, and the occasional cookbook to market. We work with authors in all stages of their careers, from experienced, award-winning, and bestselling ones to debut writers ready to take on the world.
Amitav Acharya
Esther Allen
Gerard Araud
Chris Bohjalian
Andrew Scott Cooper
Vincent Coppola
Eva Dou
Caldwell B., Esselstyn, Jr., M.D.
Bruce Falconer
Gillian Lipton
Sven Steinmo
Robert Suettinger
Tanzina Vega
Olajide Williams
Dalena Wright