Senior Israel Hayom commentator Professor Abraham Ben-Zvi has been named the Israel Prize laureate in the fields of political science and international relations research.
Announcing its decision, the Israel Prize Committee noted that Ben-Zvi "is one of the foremost researchers in Israel and the world in the field of international relations. ... This field is of crucial importance for Israel's strength and its strategic position and security in the international and regional arena.
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"His many books and studies have influenced the thinking of policymakers and established a generation of young and talented scholars," the committee continued. "His already prominent authority in this field has made him a central figure connecting academia and policymaking and contributing to its public understanding."
Prof. Ben-Zvi, 76, is a regular contributor to Israel Hayom. To date, he has published 10 books in various fields and dozens of articles, monographs, and book chapters.
"I have spent years of my life trying to identify the central turning point in the official American view of Israel, which has come a long way in its re-evaluation, turning Israel from a liability into a strategic asset."
Boaz Bismuth, Israel Hayom's editor-in-chief, lauded the committee's decision, saying "Prof. Ben-Zvi is, without a doubt, a man worthy of this honor, for his tremendous contribution to scientific research and public debate. His methodical combination of research and current theory and between academic activity and policymaking have made him an exemplar of a public intellectual. Israel Hayom is blessed to have you among its writers and advisers, and we are blessed to have you as our colleague and as a friend."