By
– June 25, 2012
In an era in which Europe has virtually nothing good to say about the Jewish State, it may be hard to imagine a time barely 50 years ago in which Israel conducted high level negotiations and alliances with several European powers. It is difficult to believe that Germany secretly shipped American arms to Israel, that France promised and brought about the construction of the Dimona reactor, and that, against the will of the US and France’s own President de Gaulle, French Defense Ministry personnel completed nuclear technology transfers that ultimately gave Israel the nuclear option.
Though it doesn’t quite read like a Tom Clancy novel, Karpin’s well-researched book is exciting, filled with details of the early life of the State’s leaders that history buffs will hang on. And though the author sometimes hypes his own discoveries as more earthshaking than they are, the book’s depiction of the personalities and conflicts of Israel’s first decades is a fascinating addition to our collective memory.
Jeff Bogursky reads a lot, writes a little and talks quite a bit. He is a media executive and expert in digital media.
