Israel would be unthinkable as a modern viable state were it not for its first and long-time prime minister and minister of defense, David Ben Gurion. In this readable and exciting in-depth study, Dr. Avi-hai traces Ben Gurion's road to power, and, combining narrative history and analysis, shows how the statesman blended high principle and vision with pragmatic and unswerving dedication to the survival of his nation and state. The book deals with Ben Gurion's impact on defense and foreign policies, relations with Arabs and with his fellow-Jews outside of Israel, questions of state and religion, and the ultimate conflict with his own political machine which led to his resignation. It is a pioneering scholarly analysis of Mr. Ben Gurion's career as premier of Israel.