In this book, the authors explore how Israel changed under Menachem Begin, the source of those changes, and how Israel is likely to evolve in a post-Begin era, focusing on Israel's foreign and defense policies, political and ideological trends, and the status of Israel's economy.

Preface -- Israel and the United States: The Special Relationship Reexamined -- America and the Middle East in the Post-Begin Era -- The Government-Armed Forces Relationship -- Israel After Begin: The View From the Religious Parties -- Political Polarization: Contradictory Interpretations of Israeli Reality -- The West Bank and Gaza in Israeli Politics -- Some Observations on the Economy in Israel -- Israeli Economic Policy Under the Likud, 1977-83: A Guide for the Perplexed* -- Economic Development in Israel: A Comparative Assessment

Steven Heydemann is director of programs at the Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C.