Militarism and Israeli Society

This volume challenges the established view that the civilian sector in Israel has been predominant over its security sector since the state's independence in 1948. It critically and systematically reexamines the relationship between these sectors and provides a deeper, more nuanced view of their interactions. Individual chapters cast light on the formal and informal arrangements, connections, and dynamic relations that closely tie Israel's security sector to the country's culture, civil society, political system, economy, educational system, gender relations, and the media. Among the issues and events discussed are Israel's separation barrier, the impact of Israel's military confrontations with the Palestinians and other Middle Eastern states -- especially Lebanon -- and the impact of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Israeli case offers insights about the role of the military and security in democratic nations in contemporary times.

Gabriel Sheffer is a professor of political science at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies, Tel Aviv University. He is author of Moshe Sharett: Biography of a Political Moderate and Diaspora Politics: At Home Abroad.

Oren Barak is a senior lecturer in political science and international relations at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is author of The Lebanese Army: A National Institution in a Divided Society.