This is the classic account of one of the great conflicts of the late 20th century, brilliantly told by Herzog and magisterially updated by Gazit to make it the most authoritative, topical and compellingly readable history of the Arab-Israeli wars' - Simon Sebag Montefiore'No author is better qualified to write this book than General Herzog' - The EconomistThis book tells the epic story of Israel's struggle to exist, providing a blow by blow account of one of history's most bitter and enduring conflicts - Arab versus Jew. As well as describing every campaign in absorbing and incisive detail - full of desperate defensive actions against massive odds in outlying settlements, fast-paced armoured battles, and breathtaking strategy - Herzog highlights the personal and political struggles that have determined the Middle East conflict.Chaim Herzog, former president of Israel, had the advantage of personally knowing the generals and politicians who have worked to ensure the state's survival against seemingly overwhelming odds.
His story is told with the authority of first-hand information, by a soldier-statesman with a unique understanding of the problems and factors at play in the Middle East. This edition has a new introduction by the author's son Michael Herzog.