Typical Dershowitz. Controversial, Caustic and Candid. Unashamedly proclaiming himself to be “Israel’s single most visible public defender…the Jewish state’s lead attorney in the court of public opinion.”, the lawyer who has stirred more than just a hornet's nest holds forth on a variety of personalities and events ranging from The Palestine Liberation Organisation to Rabbi Meir Kahane, the founder of the Jewish Defense League.

A man who has made more than 100 visits to Israel, attached colourful adjectives to allies and rivals alike. For example he terms Vanessa Redgrave, to be “an active propagandist” for the Palestine Liberation Organization. He also in a typically inimitable vein insists that "criticism of Israel is not only not anti-Semitic, it is healthy, if it doesn’t violate my friend Anatoly Sharansky’s three Ds. The first D according to Dershowitz is demonization where Israel is equated with the Nazis. The second D being the test of double standards. Where criticism of Israel is applied selectively. Finally rounding off with the third D, which according to him represents delegitimization.

As the title vociferously states, here we see Dershowitz defending each and every action of Israel while also claiming left-wing and right-wing emerging 'anti-semitism' disguised as criticism of its policies, which Dershowitz says is uncalled for and unjustified since he says no such parameter is afforded to other countries as is laid to Israel.

What works in the book are not the tall defense or claims, but the mixing of his personal history, life and how it intertwined with that of the Israel's journey as a country, decade after decade.

What I found to be the most refreshing about this book was the evidence that the author was not trying to promote his personal, political vendetta or push it onto his readers. Yes, he told us his views and why he supports certain matters but he mainly told his story regarding the nation of Israel. I will admit: the author and I differ on several policies as far as politics are concerned, but I never felt offended or felt like he was trying to make me feel bad or guilty for having different opinions than him. The author obviously has a passion for Israel which is reflected in his writing. I did not know much regarding Israeli politics or history going in and he told the story very well. It was very educational and very well researched. He obviously did not approach writing this book lightly and wrote with much elegance. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in politics, specifically politics regarding the nation of Israel and the shifts in our nations’ relationship here in the U.S.. Very well done!

I found this book highly interesting and fascinating to read. Looking at the history and present day. It’s a different world to that we live in. The author told the story very well and the book was well written and flowed well

A fascinating and highly informative insider’s look into the history and present situation of modern Israel. I was impressed with Israel’s many triumphs and accomplishments while being troubled, saddened and angered by its many challenges and threats...past and present.

I think I was most disturbed to learn that well-known religious leaders were truly anti-Semitic and did not believe that Israel had the right to exist. They were bigoted individuals who were leading faith communities, so troubling and so very wrong.

Past and present global politics, Israeli politics and American politics were explained very well in relation to the statehood of Israel and its right to exist and thrive. We have lived and continue to live in a complicated and very imperfect world, populated with complicated and very imperfect people.

This book covers the topics of religion and politics, however, more importantly, it is about truth. I challenge you to set aside your opinions, ideas and beliefs about Israel, and to read this book.

For some, your ideas and opinions will be verified. For others, maybe your minds will be changed. Do yourself a favor and read this book. Your mind will be challenged, you will be encouraged to think, and perhaps you might walk away with new found respect and appreciation for Israel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This was a factual and bipartisan view of the political climate in Israel. The author didn't try to force their opinions onto the reader, as the facts were laid out in a manner that allowed them to form their own opinion. I learned a lot from this book and feel like I have a better grasp of the situation over there than I did before reading this.

I found Defending Israel to be an interesting read. It is good to see a bipartisan view of Israel. I give it five stars.

An important perspective that I believe gives an even-handed view of why Israel behaves the way it does. I appreciate the author's criticisms as well as opinions on why the Jewish state is needed.

I always enjoy Alan Dershowitz insight into the Israeli political situation, and this book is very timely as to how the Republican part has been supporting Israel and winning the vote of the Orthodox Jewish/Zionist communicate while the Democratic left wing one state/pro-Palestinians have lost the support of Israel. It's a very strange time politically for Israel with Trump in the president's seat and his ongoing anti-diversity rants. I enjoyed the book and look forward to any further works by Alan Dershowitz.