Introduction: Elections 1999 – The Interplay Between Character, Political Culture, and Centrism

Daniel J. Elazar and M. Ben Mollov

This article serves as an analytical overview of the 1999 election, tracing its major dynamics. The record of Netanyahu’s policies in foreign and domestic affairs is evaluated along with the public’s judgement of his character. Important trends in the political culture of Israel are identified which led to dramatic changes in the party composition of the Knesset, along with other factors responsible for Barak’s prime-ministerial victory. The article suggests that the Israeli public perceived Barak as a leader with integrity who could unite large segments of the country’s population and steer a centrist course in foreign policy. It indicated, however, that over time Barak would have to prove that his modus operandi was superior to that of his predecessor’s.