Egyptian Authorities Block book Featuring Critic of Islamism and Advocate for Israel

A new book co-authored by Hamed Abdel-Samad, a German-Egyptian political scientist known for his criticism of Islamic ideologies, and Philipp Peyman Engel, a german author and advocate for Israel, has been banned in Egypt. The book, which details a contentious dialog between the two men, was slated for release at the Cairo International Book Fair but was halted due to alleged concerns over its content.

Contentious Dialogue and rising Tensions

The friction between Abdel-Samad and Engel ignited in Spring 2025 over Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Abdel-Samad’s characterization of the operations as “genocide” proved to be a breaking point for Engel,who viewed the term as a dangerous echo of historical anti-Semitic tropes. The book chronicles their subsequent debate, delving into complex issues of identity, political allegiance, and the challenges of discussing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Censorship and Accusations of Incitement

According to Engel,the publisher,Al Mahrousa,faced “massive pressure” from Egyptian authorities without any official description for the ban. Abdel-Samad indicated he received information that his writings, including the book with Engel and his novel “The Cloud Factory”, where under security review, specifically on the charge of “inciting atheism”. A publishing house employee reportedly revealed that authorities explicitly forbade the book’s publication, with a directive to remain silent about the ban.

A Pattern of repression

Engel suggests the ban stems from the book’s potentially provocative

Why did the Egyptian government block the Arabic edition of “What Is Israel Allowed to Do?”?

Egypt blocks Arabic Edition of “What Is Israel Allowed to Do?”: A Deep Dive

The Egyptian government’s recent decision to block the Arabic edition of “What Is Israel Allowed to Do?” by Yagil Levy has ignited debate surrounding censorship, freedom of speech, and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This move, confirmed in late January 2026, raises critical questions about the control of information and its impact on public discourse within the Arab world. The book, originally published in Hebrew, offers a legal and ethical examination of the boundaries of Israel’s actions in warfare, particularly concerning civilian casualties.

Understanding the Book’s Content & Controversy

Levy’s work isn’t a polemic advocating for or against Israel. Instead, it’s a rigorous analysis of Israeli military law, international law, and the ethical dilemmas faced by soldiers and commanders.It delves into:

* The Doctrine of Proportionality: Examining how Israel assesses whether the military advantage gained from an operation justifies potential harm to civilians.

* Distinction Between Combatants and Non-Combatants: Analyzing the challenges of identifying legitimate military targets in densely populated areas.

* The Legal Framework of Targeted Killings: Investigating the legality and morality of eliminating individuals deemed threats.

* Accountability Mechanisms: Assessing the effectiveness of Israel’s internal investigations into alleged war crimes.

The Arabic translation, undertaken by a prominent Lebanese publishing house, aimed to broaden the discussion beyond Israel and the Hebrew-speaking world. However, the book’s very subject matter – a critical examination of Israeli military practices – proved contentious. Concerns center around the potential for the book to be interpreted as justification for violence or to incite anti-Israel sentiment.

Egypt’s Rationale for the Ban

Egyptian authorities have cited national security concerns as the primary justification for blocking the Arabic edition. Official statements, released through the State Information Service, allege the book contains content that:

* Promotes Hostility: The government claims the book’s analysis could fuel animosity towards Israel and destabilize regional relations.

* distorts Historical Narratives: Concerns were raised that the book presents a biased account of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

* Challenges Regional Stability: Egyptian officials fear the book could exacerbate existing tensions and undermine ongoing peace efforts.

This decision aligns with Egypt’s broader approach to controlling perhaps sensitive publications, particularly those dealing with political or religious issues. Egypt has a history of censorship, often justified by the need to maintain social order and prevent extremism.

Regional Reactions and Implications

The ban has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and freedom of speech advocates. Groups like Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders have condemned the move as a violation of the right to access information and engage in open debate.

* Lebanese Publishers’ Response: The Lebanese publishing house responsible for the Arabic translation has expressed disappointment and vowed to continue promoting intellectual freedom.

* Arab World Discourse: The ban has sparked online discussions across the Arab world, with many questioning the justification for suppressing critical analysis of Israeli policies.

* Impact on Academic Research: scholars specializing in Middle Eastern studies and international law express concern that the ban will hinder research and understanding of the conflict.

Historical Context: Censorship in the Arab World

Egypt’s decision isn’t isolated. Censorship of books and media remains a common practise in many Arab countries. Several factors contribute to this trend:

1. Political Control: Governments often seek to control the narrative and suppress dissenting voices.
2. Religious Sensitivities: Publications deemed blasphemous or offensive to religious beliefs are frequently banned.
3. National Security Concerns: Authorities often invoke national security to justify censorship, particularly regarding issues related to conflict or political instability.
4. Cultural Norms: Conservative social norms can lead to the suppression of content considered morally objectionable.

Past examples include bans on books critical of ruling regimes, works exploring sensitive religious themes, and publications perceived as promoting Western values.

The Role of Translation in Political Discourse

The translation of “What is Israel Allowed to Do?” highlights the crucial role translation plays in shaping political discourse.By making the book accessible to a wider Arabic-speaking audience, the translation aimed to:

* Facilitate dialog: Encourage a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

* Promote Critical thinking: Challenge existing narratives and encourage readers to question assumptions.

* Expand access to Information: Provide access to a scholarly analysis that might or else be unavailable.

The Egyptian ban underscores the power of translation to challenge established power structures and the lengths to which authorities may go to control the flow of information.

Potential Legal Challenges & Future Outlook

While challenging the ban directly within Egypt’s legal system is likely to be difficult, international pressure and advocacy efforts could potentially influence the government’s decision.

* International Law & Freedom of Expression: Advocates may argue that the ban violates international standards on freedom of expression.

* Digital Accessibility: Despite the ban on the physical book, the Arabic translation is likely to circulate online, potentially mitigating the impact of the censorship.

* Long-Term Implications: The ban could further erode trust in the Egyptian government and fuel resentment among those who believe in the importance of free speech.

The case of “What Is Israel Allowed to Do?” serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression in the arab world and the challenges of navigating sensitive political issues in a region marked by conflict and censorship.