The article uses the Israeli kibbutz of Degem as an example of community planning in an almost ideal setting, yet illustrates how the presence of special interest groups and factional groups complicates pursuing and achieving common objectives. (AG)

This paper summarizes the history of rural communities (moshavim and kibbutzim) in Israel and attempts to rehabilitate those that have experienced difficulties. The first section of the paper outlines the context of these communities, most of which are cooperatives. Before the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, most of the communities…