Ivan Bassov

Please note that the posts on The Blogs are contributed by third parties. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the authors, and neither The Times of Israel nor its partners assume any responsibility for them. Please contact us in case of abuse. In case of abuse, Report this post. David vs. Goliath: The Battle Begins. Long before the first blow is struck, the battle is fought in the realm of narrative. Image © Ivan Bassov, 2026.

Before People Debate Borders, They Decide Whose Story They Believe The phrase The Battle Before the Battle is often associated with the biblical account of David and Goliath in I Samuel 17. Whatever one takes from that story, it reminds us that decisive conflicts are often shaped before the first blow is struck. The struggle over perception, legitimacy, and narrative frequently precedes the visible confrontation. For years, criticism of Israel followed a familiar pattern.

If Rockets Come from Lebanon, Why Should Israel Care Who Fired Them? In a June 21, 2026 interview on Channel 14, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared: Lebanon, all of Lebanon, should become our playground. All of Lebanon should be our target. And they tell me, ‘Wait a second, there is Lebanon and there is Hezbollah.’ I do not accept this artificial approach. Lebanon, all of Lebanon, should become our playground. All of Lebanon should be our target.