ABSTRACT
In the dynamic interaction between Israeli domestic politics and Israeli foreign policy, the role of Israeli parties is of crucial importance. The political parties dominate the functioning of the Israeli government to a striking degree. Israeli parties have historically occupied a hegemonial position within the political system. The parties have been able to achieve, and to a substantial extent maintain, their dominant position because of their historical, institutional, and ideological successes. The Israeli political system was, until at least 1973, a one-and-one-half party system. Israeli politics revolved around the perennial coalition between a large, governing labor party- Mapai and the preeminent religious party- Mafdal. Despite the changes produced by the political earthquake of 1977, the themes of continuity and caution continue to predominate in the Israeli political drama. The pragmatism evinced by Israeli parties is the fruit of their long involvement in the political process.
