Professor Avner Ben-Zaken. Credit: Hadas ParushIn a new book, historian Avner Ben-Zakan, head of the Institute for Israeli Thought, argues that Zionism completed its mission when the state of Israel was founded. But that state, he warns, has failed to instill in its citizens a sense of national identity, thereby jeopardizing its future01:06 PM • May 21 2026 IDTWith elections just months down the road, Israelis find themselves divided as never before – deep societal rifts sharpened by a government bent on fomenting discord.In the NewsThe Secret Israeli Unit Spying on Teachers Who Criticize the GovernmentBen-Gvir Vies for Next National Security Term or Someone on His BehalfTrump, Netanyahu Had Tense Call Over Iran War Disagreements, Report SaysIran Impasse Drives Trump's Indecision and Netanyahu's Urgency to Restart WarAs Israel Heads to Elections, Netanyahu Needs WarRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIHundreds Protest at New York Times HQ Over Column Alleging Abuse by IsraelisICC Prosecutor Seeks Warrants for Ben-Gvir, Smotrich, Other Israeli OfficialsEverybody Loses in the Cynical Israeli-Palestinian Sexual Violence CompetitionIsraeli Settler Filmed Abusing Palestinian-owned Dog in West BankWelcome to the Most Shameful Day in the Jewish CalendarIsraeli Teens Storm Muslim Quarter in Old City, Haaretz Reporter Attacked
'Why should Israel belong to a Belgian Jew more than to a Druze from here?'
In a New Book, Historian Avner Ben-Zakan, Head of the Institute for Israeli Thought, Argues That Zionism Completed Its Mission When the State of Israel Was Founded. But That State, He Warns, Has Failed to Instill in Its Citizens a Sense of National Identity, Thereby Jeopardizing Its Future
195 words~1 min read
