ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors provide evidence for three fascinating features of the Israeli experience. First, the centrality of the emotive, almost mystical quality of what we have labeled extra-rationality in explaining the public's approach to national security. Second, the importance of political identification as a filter in structuring opinion. Third, the different patterns generated in the data depending on whether or not the political parties have defined and discussed the issue. The emotive basis for relating to national security issues introduces considerations of a nation's interests, its history and its destiny. The major construct of the model has to do with the way Israelis relate to national security at the most basic level. Striking to the observer of the Israeli scene is the power of the myth of national security in justifying and rationalizing behavior of many kinds. Deep-seated beliefs about the nature and destiny of Israel and the Jewish people are the core-beliefs of many Israelis.
