ì[An] instructive but challenging volume. Brichta points out that no Israeli government can reach the level of stability and effectiveness sought by Israelis so long as Israeli society remains politically fragmented.î Israel Affairs. ìAvraham Brichtaís Political Reform in Israel is a masterly study of the craft and art of politics. More than that, it is a model of true political sociology, which stays away from the temptation to reduce politics to the study of social origins of leaders and followers. Instead, it concentrates on the interplay of social and political cleavages with electoral system, in the best tradition of the classic works by Sartori and Lijphart. The book is an important, instructive and highly readable analysis of political science. In addition to the major contributions it makes to the debate on political reform among scholars and members of the general public.

It also demonstrates qualities that are sorely lacking in that kind of debate: insight, caution and political wisdom.î From the Foreword by Gabriel Ben-Dor, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center of National Security Studies, Israel. This book analyzes and tests the many reforms proposed and implemented in the electoral nominations, party, parliamentary and local government systems in Israel, and their impact upon the stability, effectiveness, responsiveness and representativeness of the Israeli political system.