Eva Illouz win the national sociology prize

In a letter to Kisch obtained by Haaretz, Yair wrote, to his "great frustration," that one of the jurists reversed their initial support for Illouz due to the introduction of "non-academic considerations" into the discussions. "I failed in my duty as chair," he added, "because external actors succeeded in contaminating the process."

Speaking to Haaretz, Yair said Kisch's interference "tainted" the selection process with "considerations that were not academic" and called for the committee's later meetings to be voided. This would leave only the initial session – where Illouz was chosen – as valid. "This should be brought before the High Court," he said.

Two weeks ago, Kisch disqualified Illouz from receiving the Israel Prize on the grounds that she had signed a 2021 petition to the International Criminal Court calling for an investigation of alleged Israeli war crimes in the West Bank. He later demanded that she publicly retract her support. Sources close to the matter said the jurist who withdrew support for Illouz was unaware of her involvement with the ICC petition and changed his vote once informed.

Yair's letter detailed how Kisch instructed the jurists to change jury procedures, demanding a vote on whether Illouz must disavow the ICC petition. Kisch ruled that only a unanimous rejection of his demand would allow Illouz to receive the prize; a single jurist's agreement with him would void the award altogether. The jury's rules stipulate that decisions must be based solely on academic merit.

Prof. Yair expressed concern that Kisch's conduct could chill academic freedom in Israel: "I was disappointed by how external pressure inserted unacceptable considerations into the process," he said, "but even more so by those on the jury who gave in to that pressure."

He praised Illouz for standing firm: "Her remarks reflected the courage of a public leader, pointing to what enlightened academia should aspire to."

Yair also condemned Kisch's insistence on disqualifying Illouz: "She defended Israel's position and repeatedly criticized major organizations and intellectuals who ignored the atrocities and sexual violence committed by Hamas terrorists since October 7," he wrote. "There are few figures in Israeli academia – and perhaps even in its public and political spheres – whose thoughtful words on behalf of the state have appeared so widely and shaped Israel's image among the nations."

In a recent article for Haaretz, Illouz explained her refusal to retract her ICC petition signature, describing it as "a symbolic gesture" against the treatment of Palestinians in 2021.

"I do not and will not retract the intent behind my signature," she wrote, adding: "I will continue to protest against the inhumane treatment of innocent Palestinian civilians, just as I will continue to protest against antisemitism from leftist groups since October 7."

Or Kashti