Benny Morris
Biography
Benny Morris, born in 1948 in Ein HaHoresh, Israel, is a prominent Israeli historian and a leading figure among the "New Historians." His groundbreaking work primarily focuses on the origins and progression of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and the subsequent Palestinian exodus, known as the Nakba. Morris gained recognition for his meticulous use of previously declassified Israeli government archives, which allowed him to challenge traditional Zionist narratives regarding the birth of Israel. His research initially highlighted the agency of Israeli forces in the displacement of Palestinians. Over his career, his interpretations have evolved, becoming more critical of Palestinian leadership and, at times, more nuanced or even supportive of certain Israeli actions, leading to significant academic and political controversy from all sides. He has held positions at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and continues to be a highly influential, albeit divisive, voice in Middle Eastern historical scholarship.
Selected Thoughts
«The tragedy of 1948 is not merely one of Arabs leaving their homes, but one of their expulsion. This is a central theme of my work.»
«My original motivation was to understand what happened. To be true to the archival record, whatever it showed.»
«I came to the conclusion that if there had been no Jewish state created, there would have been no Palestinian problem.»
Writing Style
Morris's writing style is academic, meticulously researched, and primarily archival-based. He employs a clear, analytical, and often polemical tone, presenting historical events with precision and challenging established narratives. His works are characterized by extensive footnotes and a factual, data-driven approach, even when his conclusions are highly controversial.