The Israeli Right and Israeli Society: Economy, Religion, and Law

Session Submission Type: Panel Session

Abstract

The panel will present three new studies that delve into the standpoints of the Israeli Right—with a particular emphasis on the Herut movement, Gahal, and Likud— vis-à-vis domestic policy issues in Israel. While previous research on the Revisionist Movement often focused on the character and actions of political leaders and foreign and security policy issues, the topics addressed in these lectures have not been systematically studied hitherto. Each lecturer has consulted extensive documentary material, including letters, protocols, and press clippings, to shed new light on significant episodes in the history of the Israeli Right.
Dr. Maya Mark explores a case study of fanaticism which couples religious and nationalistic zeal that left an indelible imprint on the character of the State of Israel. By analyzing this episode, the lecturer provides insights into how religious and national fanaticism have shaped political activism and policies within the Israeli Right.


Prof. Amir Goldstein will focus on the deliberate economic recession that ensued in Israel during the mid-1960s. He will analyze the response and strategies of Gahal (Gush Herut Liberals) in dealing with this economic crisis, offering a detailed examination of their economic policies and political maneuvers during this challenging period.
Prof. Nissim Leon will examine the evolving relationship between parties respectively led by Menachem Begin and the ultra-Orthodox community. His study will focus on the motives behind their strengthening ties during the Likud opposition period and trace how these relationships consolidated following the 1977 “upheaval.” Shedding light on this complexity, Leon accounts for the deepening political relationship between the Haredi parties and those of the Right over the past decade in terms of a shift from ideological preference to political default.
These studies aim to afford a deeper understanding of the domestic policies and political strategies of the Israeli Right, as well as contribute a more comprehensive outlook of its historical and contemporary roles in shaping Israeli society to this day.

Sub Unit

• Israel Studies

Chair

• Meir Chazan, Tel Aviv University

Individual Presentations

• Torah versus State: The Case of the Zealots Underground in Early Israel - Maya Mark, Ben-Gurion University

• The Economic Recession (1966-1967) and the Consolidation of the Israeli Right's Economic and Social Position - Amir Goldstein, Tel-Hai college

• The Haredi Parties and the Rightist Camp in Israel 1948-2022: From Preference to Default - Nissim Leon ליאון, Bar-Ilan University

Zoom Host

• Zoom Host 01