Israeli government and politics have undergone significant changes since the second
edition of this book was published in 1983. Israel withdrew from Lebanon, ab-
sorbed hundreds of thousands of new immigrants from the collapsed Soviet Union
and Ethiopia, and undertook peace negotiations with the Palestinians and other
Arab neighbors that led to a historic peace treaty--the Declaration of Principles.
These events were possible because of several institutional, legal, and normative
changes in the political system and because Labor resumed its historical role as the
country's leading party.

This completely revised edition of The Government and Politics of Israel offers a
comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the dynamics of Israeli politics. This edi-
tion focuses on issues that have become central in the study of Israel's political sys-
tem, such as new electoral procedures, the formation of new parties, a government
administrative reorganization, fresh personalities on the national scene, and the
peace process. The book is intended to familiarize those interested in Israel's gov-
ernment with its origins; the evolution of its institutions, practices, and traditions;
and the workings of the government today.

Don Peretz is professor emeritus of Binghamton University. Gideon Doron is pro-
fessor of political science at Tel Aviv University.

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