Recognizing that students today need a grounding in history before they can understand contemporary politics, this concise text begins with a clear discussion of the historical development of the Israeli state. Gregory Mahler then explains Israel's political structures and political behavior. Finally, he describes the environment within which the political system operates. Moving beyond a solely domestic focus, the book also explores the national security environment that profoundly influences every aspect of Israeli life, juxtaposing the claims of the Palestinians and Palestinian nationalists with those of Israelis. Written in a reader-friendly, jargon-free style, the book takes students through the basics of Israeli politics and the parliamentary model of government. Designed to serve as the core text for courses on Israeli government and politics, this compact work also can be used as a supplement in a broader class on the contemporary Middle East.