The Israeli right’s hold on political power since 1977 is nothing short of astounding. Its leaders have shaped government policy while its activists have driven Israeli history. What are the major ideas that animate this political movement? In this seminar course, we will examine the origins of the Israeli political right, beginning with the life and ideas of Vladimir (Ze’ev) Jabotinsky, the founder of so-called Revisionist Zionism. We will explore the activities of the major right-wing groups active before Israel’s founding: Betar, Lehi (the Stern Gang), and the Brit ha-Biryonim. This investigation of the origins of the Israeli right will serve as the basis of discussions about the governments of Menachem Begin, Yitzhak Shamir, Ariel Sharon, and Benjamin Netanyahu.