Moshe Sharett: Biography of a Political Moderate [Hardcover]

Gabriel Sheffer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 29, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0198279949 | ISBN-13: 978-0198279945

This book revises some of the most widely-accepted views on Israeli history and politics. Through the political biography of Israel's second prime minister, Moshe Sharett, it traces the roots of the Israeli polity, international and domestic orientations, and the making of its policies. It focuses on the role of a moderate leader and his struggles against the legendary Ben-Gurion and his activist supporters, shedding new light on the forces that shaped Israeli politics for decades.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...Sheffer has recounted thoroughly and successfully in what certainly will be the definitive biography of Moshe Sharett. It is doubtful that any other historian or scholar would surpass Sheffer's prodigious research."--xxxxx

About the Author

Gabriel Sheffer is a Professor in the Political Science Department at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1088 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (August 29, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198279949
• ISBN-13: 978-0198279945
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.3 x 2.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,108,725 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The doves vs. the hawks, October 23, 2006

By 

Mr Bassil A MARDELLI "Antoun" (Riad El-SOLH , Beirut Lebanon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Moshe Sharett: Biography of a Political Moderate (Hardcover)

How much would the Middle East have changed if Moshe Sharett remained Israel's prime minister longer than two years, 1954-55? The `hawks' in his Cabinet remained loyal to Ben-Gurion bypassing Sharett's recommendations.

He was an Israel's Minister of Foreign affair and one of his achievements was the 1949 armistice.

Sharett was fluent in Arabic. His command of the language supported his capacity for eloquence in speeches that `the clarity of insight possessed by Jews and Arabs intellect, will relieve them of the hardships of futile wars in an area not prepared for it.

Sharett was a moderate and staunch supporter of negotiations and dialogue with the Arabs, no matter what.

When he realized the `firm fist' approach adopted by Ben-Gurion, Sharett confided to his wife: `I can foresee lots of bloodshed, what price victory when so many people will die in the fight.'