What:

Guy Ziv, associate professor at American University’s School of International Service and associate director of the Meltzer Schwartzberg Center for Israel Studies, will discuss his timely new book, Netanyahu vs The Generals: The Battle for Israel’s Future. The conversation will focus on the strained civil-military relations in Israel throughout the Netanyahu era and its implications. Prof. Ziv will touch upon the rise of the far-right in Israel; the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza; and U.S.-Israel relations.

When:

March 20, 2024, 4:00 p.m.

Where:

American University, School of International Service, Abramson Family Founders Room (link to the event newsfeed available upon request)

Background:

Prof. Guy Ziv’s book, Netanyahu vs The Generals: The Battle for Israel’s Future, explores the Israeli national security community’s enduring opposition to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, long considered Israel’s “Mr. Security.” Benjamin Netanyahu has carefully cultivated a self-image as Israel's 'Mr. Security' during his decades of political activity. Until recently, his reputation as a security-minded leader resonated with large swaths of the Israeli public, enabling him to become Israel's longest-serving prime minister. Yet the Israeli security community has long questioned Netanyahu's approach to national security.

Prof. Ziv’s book has received strong endorsements from noted scholars and diplomats, who have called it “an important study,” “a brilliant account,” and “a vital read.” The book sets out to explain the mutual distrust and intense disagreements between Netanyahu and the security community, as well as the underlying reasons behind the Israeli public's inattention to the collective judgment of hundreds of ex-generals and former spymasters.

Prof. Ziv teaches courses on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and on U.S.-Israel relations. He has a background in policy, having worked on Capitol Hill and for not-for-profit organizations that promote Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking.