ABSTRACT
The boldest expression of the geographical-political changes taking place in Israel is undoubtedly the acceleration of settlement in the Occupied Territories. Since the accession of the Likud in 1977, the process has exemplified a number of the elements of geography and politics: the importance of territory as an arena for political confrontation; the application of political power for the realization of nationalist and religious interests; decision-making of dubious legitimacy in territorial issues; the influence of central government on accelerated development and implementation; emphasis on identifying religious and nationalist values with territory in order to attract people to deliberate action; and above all, the power of political decisions to create faits accomplis and change the geographical layout of territories.
