In recent decades, Israel has come under sustained diplomatic pressure from the West. According to the press and the policy establishment, she acts aggressively and with disregard for civilian lives in pursuit of an unnecessary and illegal occupation of Palestinian territory. Others view the country as an embarrassing outpost of colonialism, racism and apartheid whose actions--and those of the "pro-Israel lobby"--have provoked a fiery Islamist backlash.

This book refutes these misrepresentations, showing that Israel's actions are well within the norms of international law and morality, and arguing that the country--far from being a deviant state--is a bastion of Western values. The author offers a nuanced narrative, outlining the legal, moral and historical justice behind Jewish statehood and discussing the reasons behind the failed peace process in recent years.