Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary analysis of the salient external and internal threats, opportunities and issues facing contemporary Israel; an accessible guide for students, scholars and policymakers alike. It addresses the key conflicts, with Arieh Saposnik examining the contested nature of terms such as "Zionism" and "Jewish statehood," tracing the tension within Israeli society. The book aims to identify the socioeconomic, demographic and societal challenges facing Israel. It describes twin phenomena of the pluralization of civil society and the political and societal rise of the conservative, Israeli right are enjoined. The book examines where these two trends converge, such as the increased inclusion of growing orthodox Jewish groups within the mainstream, and where they diverge, as represented by the growing assertiveness of secular Israelis in life cycle questions of marriage and diet.