Israel Silences Historian, Cites Freedom of Speech—for Itself
When prominent French historian Vincent Lemire, renowned for his work on Jerusalem, had his travel permit revoked by Israeli authorities, the explanation pointed vaguely to 'harming state security.' The New Arab reports Lemire had simply called for France to sanction Israel over its actions in Gaza, a standard diplomatic pressure tactic. (The New Arab, January 12, 2026) This isn't an isolated
incident; it's a well-trodden path. For decades, Israel has consistently leveraged its 'security' apparatus to suppress any unwelcome narrative, whether by deporting Palestinian activists, shutting down human rights organizations, or, as here, silencing academics whose research or opinions deviate from the approved script. One might wonder what historical truths are so dangerous they require a
state to ban the historian.