ABSTRACT
It has been argued that political parties play a major role in resolving strains in society. Although the parties are not alone in performing this function, their contribution might play a crucial role in the internal cohesion of the society, especially in a new nation. The importance of the integrative function increases in a new state in view of the need to gain legitimacy, support and loyalty from all segments of the population. Israel, in its formative years, serves as an instructive case study in which the party’s integrative function can be examined.
