Israel on Trial: one judge’s search for truth
Jonathan Sacerdoti speaks to Judge Roy K. Altman about his hopeful new book, where he puts Israel in the dock
Assessment
A sitting U.S. federal judge has written a book that places Israel itself on trial, using a courtroom framework to examine the country's actions and policies. The author's stated goal of a 'search for truth' suggests the book aims to cut through polarized debate, but a judge's endorsement of a prosecutorial framing may attract scrutiny. The coming reception among legal scholars and Israel advocates will test whether the approach is seen as fair-minded or as a rhetorical device that prejudges the outcome.