Radicalized Conservatism in Israel

The year 2023 will be known as the most consequential year in Israel in generations. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict intensified into levels of violence that shocked the world. The bloody episode overshadowed a constitutional overhaul introduced by Israel’s Likud-led government, widely criticized as an attempted executive coup. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's most impactful leader in decades and indicted for multiple corruption charges, has entered his third term as Prime Minister following four snap elections in under four years. The government he formed has been dubbed the most right-wing government in Israel’s history. To explain these developments, 'Radicalized Conservatism in Israel' presents a comprehensive examination of right-wing ideology. Based on rigorous argument analysis adhering to the self-identification of Israel’s political elite, it exposes essential features of the Israeli right, discovering the hidden power of its one-state vision: Its radical reactionary goals are rooted in the manipulation of common sense center-right conservative values.

“An eye-opening, sobering analysis of the way right-wing politics have taken over Israeli policies and have upended Middle East peace plans. It is probably the most updated, well-documented and astute analysis of the rationale behind Israel’s 2024 government and policies as they come to bear on the various conflicts underway in the Middle East.” – Dan Avnon

“This book is a very engaging and learned look at how conservatism radicalized into a more reactionary form of anti-democratic politics in Israel. … The book integrates itself well into broader conversations about the global right which should give it an even wider appeal.” – Matthew McManus