The article reflects the political, social, and moral questions raised by the Palestinian uprising in Israel, or the "intifada." The major news items of that week, as well as the general impression left by Palestinian anti-State actions, are reviewed. The geopolitical context of Israel is described in terms of its complex mix of ethics groups, cultures, and religions. Facts of relevance to crime in Israel and Israeli criminology are explored, such as the ethnic breakdown of offenders, the declining juvenile crime rate, and drug use. The legal diversity of Israel is reflected in the fact that there are so many competing systems of regulation: civil law, municipal authorities, Jordanian law in the administered territories, Israeli military law, United Nations Welfare and Relief Agency regulations, and the influence of intifada leaders. The kibbutz movement has also contributed to Israeli notions of law and punishment. The newness of the Israeli State has led to a newly created system of legal principle, which in many ways, is free of the burden of tradition felt by the British legal system. 23 references. (Author abstract modified)