<P>This book examines the role of messianism in Zionist ideology, from the birth of the Zionist movement through to the present. Is shows how messianism is not just a religious or philosophical term but a very tangible political practice and theology which has shaped Israeli identity.</P>
<P>The author explores key issues such as:</P>
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<LI>the current presence of messianism in the Israeli public sphere and the debates with jewish settlers in the occupied territories after the 1967 war</LI>
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<LI>the difference between transcendental messianism and promethean messianism </LI>
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<LI>the disparity between the political ideology and political practice in the history of Israel </LI>
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<LI>the evolution of the messianic idea in the actions of David Ben-Gurion </LI>
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<LI>the debate between Martin Buber, Gershom Scholem, Isaiah Leibowitz, J. L. Talmon and other intellectual figures with Ben-Gurion</LI>
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<LI>the implications of political theology and the presence of messianic ideas in Israeli politics</LI>
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<P>As the first book to examine the messianism in Israeli debate since the&nbsp;creation of the Israeli state, it will be particularly relevant for students and scholars of Political Science, modern intellectual history, Israel studies, Judaism and messianism.</P>