A new book takes readers inside Israel’s war room

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 20, 2026

A new book reveals detailed accounts from Israeli and American officials about Israel’s strategic decisions and internal debates during recent conflicts, including shifts in defense priorities and coordination with U.S. administrations. The authors argue that while the military campaign achieved important successes, prolonged fighting and the resulting destruction have complicated Israel’s global reputation, especially among younger international audiences.

A new book offers a detailed examination of Israel’s strategic decision-making and political dynamics during recent conflicts, drawing from the perspectives of senior Israeli and American officials. The volume compiles candid reflections and notable statements from key figures involved in shaping military and diplomatic responses to security threats in the region.

Among the notable insights, former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief of staff Benny Gantz highlighted his shift in defense priorities during his tenure, emphasizing cyber and intelligence capabilities over traditional infantry and armor units. Gantz pointed to the increased realism of cyber threats compared to conventional ground invasions. In parallel, former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is noted for referencing the Afghan army as a model for training Palestinian security forces, an example meant to illustrate the potential for building effective local forces.

The book also recalls comments by U.S. officials during critical moments preceding Israel’s military operations. Vice President Kamala Harris, prior to Israel’s 2024 invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza, asserted that civilians had no safe locations to evacuate to, a claim later found to be inaccurate. Additionally, Jake Sullivan, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser at the time, authored an essay published just before the October 7, 2024, Hamas attack, in which he claimed the administration’s policies had reduced regional tensions and strengthened deterrence against Iran.

The authors delve into the internal debates within Israel’s leadership, portraying differences among Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Gantz, and then IDF chief of staff Herzi Halevi. These dialogues, alongside coordination with the Biden and Trump administrations, significantly influenced Israel’s military campaigns in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and its approach toward Iran. The account also reflects how these personalities embodied the diversity of opinions within Israel’s democratic society.

While the authors provide a comprehensive narrative, their analysis of international and U.S. public sentiment is less certain. They argue that widespread destruction in Gaza eroded Israel’s global standing, particularly among younger generations who have formed their first impressions of the Jewish state based on images of devastated neighborhoods. However, some observers counter this viewpoint by drawing attention to historical contexts, suggesting that similar levels of destruction in other conflicts, such as the U.S. bombings in World War II, did not result in comparable long-term damage to national reputations. These critics attribute shifts in public opinion more to targeted social media campaigns and changing social dynamics within the United States than to the military operations themselves.

The book includes a contentious author’s note by Yonah Jeremy Bob, a senior military analyst, who contends that Netanyahu’s decision to prolong the war harmed Israel’s reputation among Western democracies, particularly U.S. Democrats and Germany. Bob argues that most of Israel’s defense establishment favored ending the conflict by mid-2025, with any continuation beyond that point resulting in significant reputational costs. However, the timing of this claim is disputed, as Hamas only agreed to disarm and release hostages in October 2025, raising questions about whether an earlier conclusion would have been feasible or beneficial.

Despite these debates, the book offers a fast-paced recounting of Israel’s military operations and strategic choices, underscoring notable moments of success amid complex challenges. The authors suggest that while the conflict is not yet fully resolved, the outcomes thus far represent a significant achievement for both Israel and its key ally, the United States.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.