Sweden’s Relations with Israel and the Palestinians : An Untold History

Sweden is separated from Israel and the Palestinian territories not only by 3,000 kilometers but by nearly polar political differences. While the Middle East conjures up images of ancient civilizations and intractable conflicts, Sweden—a comparatively small Scandinavian country on Europe's northern periphery—has enjoyed two centuries of peace since the Napoleonic Wars. Yet, against all odds, Sweden has developed exceptionally strong—and at times tumultuous—relations with Israel and the Palestinians. Surprisingly, this Nordic nation has even emerged as an unexpected facilitator of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. This groundbreaking book by political scientist Daniel Schatz provides the first comprehensive historic overview and in-depth analysis of Sweden's political and diplomatic relations with Israel and the Palestinians from 1948 to 2024. Based on fifteen years of archival research and over 100 exclusive interviews with key leaders—including Swedish, Israeli, and Palestinian prime ministers, foreign ministers and ambassadors —it offers unprecedented insights into this fascinating diplomatic journey. From Swedish government offices to secret diplomatic missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah, readers are granted rare access to the corridors of power. Witness firsthand how Swedish decision-makers have navigated the complexities of Middle Eastern politics since the post-war era and played a facilitating role in the peace process. Discover the untold story of how a distant Nordic nation became a player in one of the world's most enduring conflicts.