Conclusion

The concluding chapter first discusses the theoretical implications of the studies collected in this volume, distilling theoretical and comparative lessons from the Israeli case. It suggests ways in which the Israeli case challenges existing neoliberal theories, and argues that Israel’s deviations from conventional expectations can be accounted for by adopting a state-centered perspective. The chapter also provides illustrations of the applicability of this perspective to other contexts. Finally, it tackles the question of whether a radical neoliberal restructuration of the political economy is sustainable in a society deeply engaged in an ongoing violent conflict and ideologically married to a Republican notion of a socially committed state. Despite localized setbacks and even a broad public challenge by the mass public, the neoliberal project has proven robust in a context that seemingly contradicts and undermines its very foundations.