Political Theologies in the Holy Land

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.

The author explores key issues such as:

the current presence of messianism in the Israeli public sphere and the debates with jewish settlers in the occupied territories after the 1967 war

the difference between transcendental messianism and promethean messianism

the disparity between the political ideology and political practice in the history of Israel

the evolution of the messianic idea in the actions of David Ben-Gurion

the debate between Martin Buber, Gershom Scholem, Isaiah Leibowitz, J. L. Talmon and other intellectual figures with Ben-Gurion

the implications of political theology and the presence of messianic ideas in Israeli politics


As the first book to examine the messianism in Israeli debate since the 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.