Eylon Levy has emerged as a prominent and often polarizing figure in the realm of international communication, particularly in the context of Israeli public diplomacy. Born in London in 1991 to Israeli emigrant parents, his journey has taken him from the debating halls of Oxford and Cambridge to the front lines of international media, where he has served as a key voice articulating Israel’s perspective on complex and sensitive issues. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Eylon Levy’s background, career trajectory, public persona, and the various facets of his work that have garnered both significant praise and considerable criticism. By examining his roles, his communication style, and the controversies he has faced, we can gain a deeper understanding of his impact on the global discourse surrounding Israel and the wider Middle East.
Early Life and Education: Forging the Foundations
Eylon Aslan-Levy’s formative years in London were marked by a strong connection to his Israeli heritage and an early engagement with the world of debate and current affairs. His parents, who worked in real estate, instilled in him an awareness of Israel’s significance. Growing up in a North London area with a substantial Jewish population, Levy developed a keen interest in news and political discourse from a young age. He actively participated in debate clubs starting at 14, honing his skills in argumentation and public speaking – skills that would later prove invaluable in his role as a spokesperson.
His academic pursuits further solidified his intellectual foundation. He attended University College School in London before matriculating at Brasenose College, University of Oxford, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) in 2013. The PPE program at Oxford is renowned for producing leaders in various fields, and Levy’s choice of this interdisciplinary degree reflects his broad intellectual curiosity and his interest in understanding the complexities of the social and political landscape. During his time at Oxford, he actively participated in international debate championships, further refining his ability to articulate complex arguments persuasively and under pressure.
Continuing his academic journey, Levy pursued a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Cambridge. His thesis focused on the often-overlooked issue of Jewish refugees from Arab countries in the context of Israeli foreign policy. This research demonstrates an early interest in the historical narratives and geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East, a region that would later become the central focus of his professional life. While at Cambridge, he also ventured into student politics, running unsuccessfully for President of the Cambridge Union Society, a prestigious debating society with a long history of hosting prominent figures.
Career Trajectory: From Academia to the Forefront of Public Diplomacy
Levy’s career path has been diverse, encompassing journalism, public service, and ultimately, a prominent role in Israeli public diplomacy. This multifaceted experience has shaped his understanding of media, communication, and the intricacies of international relations.
Early Career in Media and Journalism
Prior to his formal roles with the Israeli government, Levy established himself as a commentator and journalist. He began contributing blogs to The Times of Israel in 2013, offering his perspectives on Israeli politics and society. In 2014, he penned a column for The Guardian titled “Obsessive Gaza coverage is fanning antisemitism,” in which he critiqued what he perceived as disproportionate media coverage of Israel and its potential to fuel antisemitism in Europe. He also condemned accusations of genocide against Israel and the use of Holocaust comparisons in criticisms of the country.
Between 2014 and 2019, Levy was a frequent contributor to Tablet, an American Jewish online magazine, and from 2016 to 2017, he wrote for The Tower Magazine. His work also appeared in The Daily Telegraph in England, demonstrating his ability to engage with a broad range of audiences and publications.
In 2016, Levy transitioned into broadcast journalism, becoming the chief news anchor at IBA News, the English-language broadcast on Israeli public television. This role provided him with firsthand experience in delivering news and analyzing current events for an international audience. He later joined the international news network i24NEWS, where he served as a news anchor, commentator, and investigative journalist. These experiences in the media landscape equipped him with a deep understanding of how news is framed, disseminated, and consumed globally.
Entry into Public Service: Advising the President
In 2021, Levy’s career took a significant turn when Israeli President Isaac Herzog appointed him as his international media advisor at the Office of the President of Israel. In this capacity, he served for the first two years of Herzog’s presidency, playing a crucial role in shaping the president’s international communications and outreach. This position provided him with valuable insights into the workings of the Israeli government and the strategic importance of effective public diplomacy.
Becoming a Government Spokesperson: A Voice During Wartime
The trajectory of Levy’s career reached a new level of prominence following the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023. In the aftermath of this event, he became an official Israeli government spokesperson, tasked with articulating Israel’s perspective to the international media during a time of intense conflict and scrutiny. His eloquence, fluency in English, and ability to convey complex information quickly made him one of Israel’s most internationally recognized faces during the war.
According to reports, Mark Regev, a seasoned Israeli diplomat and former spokesperson, recognized Levy’s potential and played a role in mentoring him for this challenging position. Levy was reportedly instructed to observe Regev’s live interviews and then undertake his own, receiving on-the-job training in the high-pressure
Accusations of Aggressiveness and Dismissiveness
Some critics have accused Levy of adopting an overly aggressive or dismissive tone in his interviews, particularly when challenged on issues related to Palestinian suffering or international law. They argue that his focus on defending Israel’s actions sometimes comes at the expense of acknowledging the human cost of the conflict on all sides.
Perceived Bias and Advocacy
Given his role as a government spokesperson, Levy is inherently an advocate for Israel’s positions. This has led to accusations of bias from those who hold different perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Critics argue that his role requires him to present a particular narrative, which may not always reflect the full complexity of the situation or acknowledge alternative viewpoints.
Continued Public Advocacy: Beyond the Official Role
Despite the controversies and his reported suspension from his official spokesperson role, Eylon Levy has continued to be a prominent voice in public discourse regarding Israel. He has leveraged his platform to continue advocating for Israel’s perspective through various channels.
Final Thoughts
Eylon Levy is undoubtedly a significant and complex figure in the ongoing discourse surrounding Israel and the Middle East. His journey from a British-born student of philosophy, politics, and economics to a prominent voice in Israeli public diplomacy reflects a deep commitment to advocating for Israel’s perspective on the global stage. His eloquence, sharp intellect, and willingness to engage directly with challenging questions have earned him both a dedicated following and considerable criticism.His tenure as a government spokesperson, marked by both effective communication and notable controversies, highlights the immense pressures and sensitivities involved in representing a nation embroiled in a protracted and deeply divisive conflict. The viral nature of his media appearances and his active engagement on social media, particularly YouTube, demonstrate his understanding of the contemporary media landscape and his ability to reach a global audience directly.
FAQs
What is his educational background?
He attended University College School in London, then earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Brasenose College, University of Oxford in 2013. He also holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Cambridge.
Was he fluent in Hebrew upon moving to Israel?
Yes, he was fortunate to move to Israel already speaking Hebrew fluently because his parents were Israeli, and they spoke Hebrew at home.
What were his early career involvements?
He started contributing blogs to The Times of Israel in 2013. In 2014, he wrote a column for The Guardian. He also frequently contributed to Tablet magazine (2014-2019) and The Tower Magazine (2016-2017).
