Political realism reached its Revisionist apogee, free of all moral considerations, in the world-view of Lehi (Lohamei Herut Israel – Fighters for the Freedom of Israel). After Ze'ev Jabotinsky, it was the main – and last – attempt to formulate an integral concept of maximalist nationalism. It was bold in content and based itself on both the right-wing and left-wing traditions of revolution and terror. Although Lehi was a small military underground, numbering a few hundred members at its peak, its leaders tried to develop an all-embracing world-view. They believed that theirs was an historical mission – to be the fighting vanguard which sweeps society up into a war of liberation and revolution, even replacing the Zionist leadership at some stage. The history of Lehi expresses the aspiration for power, conquest, national discipline and mass organisation by revolutionary activists who take direct action. At the same time, it represents an attack on pacifist and humanitarian elements, as well as on democratic dependence, political intrigue and diplomatic machinations. In addition, it embodies revulsion from the desire for the mundane way of life which negates heroism and the idea of making the supreme sacrifice for the sake of the nation.

The underground which believed in personal terrorism also developed a fairly complex method for determining foreign policy. Lehi brought Realpolitik to its ultimate logical, utilitarian and amoral point. Power came to replace diplomacy. Political ties were not dependent on the nature of the ally's regime.