Israel: National Security and Securitization : The Role of the United States in Defining What Counts

This book is the first comprehensive, book-length analysis of Israel and securitization processes. It develops an original analytical framework to ameliorate the theoretical understanding of the audience component during the securitization process, drawing upon insights from both securitization theory, political psychology, and IR theory. This gives us significant new insights into why some audiences are essential to be persuaded for securitization to occur, while others are not. This book also examines the role of the United States in defining what matters in Israeli National Security. In essence, since the United States is Israel's most significant ally, it is essential for the Israeli leadership to gain the American government's support (or its lack of resistance) for almost any securitization acts. The book analyses a highly original set of interviews with prominent figures in Israel who were at the top level of the Israeli decision-making process, including members of the political and military echelons.

"Through unparalleled access to Israel's political and security echelons, Israel: National Security and Securitization provides a unique overview of Israel's decision-maker's political perception over the years".

Ehud Olmert- Prime Minister of Israel 2006-2009

"Israel: National Security and Securitization provides a powerful analysis of how the State of Israel confronted security threats, and what was the American involvement in the Israeli decision-making process". 

Amos Yadlin, IDF Military Intelligence Directorate Chief 2006-2010

"This book makes us understand securitization in a novel and enlightening way, thus making a substantial contribution to our understanding of national security in general and Israeli security in particular".

Gabriel Ben-Dor, University of Haifa



"Wertman and Kaunert's book makes an important and unique contribution to the existing and developing literature on securitization".

Kobi Michael, Institute for National Security Studies