The world is against us, but what does that have to do with us? | Nadav Tamir

Nadav Tamir argues that Israel's deteriorating standing in the world stems not only from misunderstanding or anti-Semitism, but also from Israel's disregard for reality. He criticizes Israel's hasbara doctrine, which blames anti-Semitism, Qatari money, and progressives, and calls on Israel to acknowledge its mistakes and return to democratic values.

In an opinion column in Maariv, Nadav Tamir argues that Israel's deteriorating standing in the world is not only due to misunderstanding or anti-Semitism, but also because the world sees what Israel insists on ignoring. He criticizes Israel's hasbara doctrine, which he says is based on a victimhood approach that absolves Israel of responsibility. Tamir identifies evasion mechanisms: blaming anti-Semitism, Qatari money, progressives, and the influence of Muslim immigrants in Europe. He claims that criticism of Israel is automatically labeled as anti-Semitism, and that Qatari money cannot explain all the images and decisions that enrage the world. He calls on Israel to acknowledge its mistakes, return to democratic and liberal values, and address the problem of controlling another people. Tamir emphasizes that ignoring reality is dangerous for Israel, and notes that the victims of October 7 were victims of absolute evil, but the world sees a broader story.