In a country whose citizens have experienced prolonged exposure to intractable conflict, are there unique features to be found in Israeli society's core beliefs? And how-and to what effect-have those beliefs changed across the decades? To answer these questions, the author deeply explores Israel's political culture. The author focuses especially on two circular processes: the two-way relationship between the course of the Arab-Israeli conflict and Israel's national identity; and efforts by leaders to shape that national identity while, in turn, shifts in public opinion exert influence on leadership positions. Drawing on extensive data including speeches, party platforms, school texts and curriculums, and public opinion polls, she offers both a unique analysis and a rich reference resource.