Zeev Khanin. Israel: Society and State. A Course of Lectures

This specialized course examines the key social processes and events that have shaped the character of the Jewish state's political system and civil society. It offers an analysis of Israeli history focused not only on external security threats but also on internal societal dynamics.

For those seeking a comprehensive understanding of Israel's political and social history, and the evolution of its society and politics, we welcome you to this course.

Lecture 1. What Preceded: Society or State

This inaugural lecture examines the distinctive features of Israeli politics in both ancient and modern contexts. It covers the foundations of Israel's political system, nationalism, the British Mandate legacy, the culture of coalition-building, football as an expression of class struggle, and the lifelong path shaped by birth within a political ideology. The discussion focus is on civil society during the pre-state era of modern Israel.

Lecture 2. The MAPAI Era: Society Adapts to Statehood (1948–1962)

The second lecture analyzes Israeli politics during the nation's formative years. It examines the degree of competition faced by the ruling party, the frequency with which the Knesset completed its full terms, major press headlines of the era, and the primary concerns of Israeli citizens between 1948 and 1962.

Lecture 3. The MAPAI Era: Growing Public Distrust (1962–1977)

This session examines how Israel's form of socialism differed from that of the Eastern Bloc. It addresses public discontent, protests, and the use of commissions of inquiry as indicators of a developing civil society and tools for public oversight. It also addresses the decline in public trust in governance and the social revolution led by "the second Israel."

Lecture 4. Likud vs. Labor: The Core Party Confrontation (1977–1996)

This lecture discusses the factors that led to a shift in power and political direction in Israeli society. It analyzes the ideological struggles and differing approaches of the right-wing Likud and left-wing Labor blocks, and their gradual movement toward the political center. It also explores the growing influence of public institutions, liberalization, and the separation of media from political parties as new milestones in the development of Israeli civil society.

Lecture 5. Likud vs. Labor: Society and State in Search of Peace (1977–1996)

The period of confrontation between the two political blocs was marked by several major international events involving Israel, which shaped the public discourse on foreign and domestic policy in pursuit of peace. The Alon Plan, Gush Emunim, the peace treaty with Egypt, the air operation against Iraq, the First Lebanon War, the Sabra and Shatila massacre, and the First Intifada collectively contributed to the politicization of public institutions and placed complex questions on the national agenda.