Includes bibliographical references (p. [269]-270) and index.

1. The Pre-State Jewish Community in Palestine -- 2. The State - Major Events. Political Milestones. Economic Milestones -- 3. The Structure of Israeli Government. The Separation of Powers in Israel -- 4. The Changing Agenda -- 5. The Arab-Israeli Conflict -- 6. Political Culture in Israel. Symbols, Myths, Rituals and Taboos. Ideologies. The Role of Political Parties and their Effect on Israeli Society -- 7. Who Rules? -- 8. Political Lobbies -- 9. Epilogue.

This book tells the story of Israel's development since its foundation, and of the central issues which have preoccupied it - as seen by someone who has observed Israel's government from both inside and outside. After a historical review of the Zionist movement, Yossi Beilin describes the economic and political milestones of the state of Israel, the structure of government, the separation of powers, and the changing agenda of politics. He examines the symbols, myths and taboos that make up the political culture of the country; the importance of the pioneer and the idea of sacrifice; the struggle to establish the Hebrew language; the huge shadow of national security and the Arab-Israeli conflict; the influence of the small ultra-religious parties. He looks at the contrast between the security, prosperity and prestige which Israel enjoyed between 1957 and 1967, and the intractable problems which followed Israel's overwhelming victory in the Six Day War. Finally he looks at the growing importance of political lobbies and pressure groups and the different elites - economic, political, military, cultural and rabbinical. This is an indispensable survey of one of the most extraordinary countries in the world.

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