ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on features of Israeli politics that exist alongside the syndromes of the Chosen People, Promised Land, and prophetic tradition. The country must function in a difficult and real world even though prominent themes in the nation's discourse come from the Hebrew Bible. Often the discussion about public policy is more spiritual, emotional, and otherworldly than practical. However, the result is usually like politics elsewhere. Officials cope with difficult circumstances, rather than aspire to solve problems once and for all times. They recognize some of the many elements that impinge on their decisions, and despair of finding alternatives with certain outcomes. They admire complex analyses of social and economic conditions, but are likely to choose alternatives that are simple to understand and to implement. They abjure political hot potatoes. They postpone, avoid, or evade difficult decisions.
