This book presents a broad perspective on the political life of Israeli women, both Jewish and non- Jewish. It is the first book to explore Israeli women's political participation, political identity, and political organizations, as well as public policy toward women. Situating Israel in a comparative theoretical framework, Yael Yishai focuses on the enduring tension between women's drive for power and their desire to belong and integrate from within.

Yael Yishai is Professor in the Department of Political Science, University of Haifa. Her previous books include Land of Paradoxes: Interest Politics in Israel (also published by SUNY Press); Factionalism in the Labor Movement: Faction B in Mapai; Israel: The Peaceful Belligerent, 1967-1979 (with A. Sella); Land or Peace: Whither Israel?; Interest Groups in Israel: The Test of Democracy; and The Israel Medical Association: The Power of Expertise.