Unit-7 Israel Notes | Comparative Political System DSC-17 | DU SEMESTER 6 NOTES

Introduction

• Israel was declared an independent state by the Jewish people in 1948 after decades of Zionist efforts and global support following the Holocaust.

• The United Nations proposed dividing British-ruled Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. The Jewish side accepted the plan; the Arab side rejected it, leading to conflict.

• The rejection of the partition plan triggered a series of wars and ongoing tensions between Israel and neighboring Arab countries.

• Israel was founded as a Jewish homeland but also as a democratic state, balancing religious identity with democratic governance.

• Israel's society includes Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and others, creating a multicultural and multi-religious social structure.

• A major internal political issue is balancing Judaism’s role in state affairs with secular democratic principles.

• Israel has faced constant security threats, including wars, terrorism, and regional hostility, which heavily influence its politics and foreign policy.

• The dispute over land, borders, and sovereignty with Palestinians remains unresolved and central to Israeli politics.

  Despite challenges, Israel is known for its high-tech sector, innovation, strong education system, and robust economy.

• Israel’s political and social development reflects a history of resilience, shaped by conflict, immigration, and the need to maintain national unity in a diverse society.

Constitutional Development of Israel

1. Constitutional Framework

• Israel does not have a formal written constitution.

• It relies on “Basic Laws”, which serve as a semi-constitutional system.

• These laws were adopted gradually due to deep religious–secular divides.

2. Historical Background

• After independence in 1948, a Constituent Assembly (1949) was tasked with drafting a constitution.

• Disagreements:

  • Religious groups wanted Jewish law central to governance.

  • Secular groups pushed for a modern democratic framework.

• Result: Stalemate led to the adoption of Basic Laws over time.

3. Major Basic Laws

1. Basic Law: The Knesset (1958) – defined structure and functions of parliament.

2. Basic Law: The Judiciary (1968) – ensured independence and power of judicial review.

3. Basic Laws of 1992:

   • Human Dignity and Liberty

   • Freedom of Occupation

   • These laws granted civil rights constitutional status.

     
     

4. Role of the Supreme Court

• The Israeli Supreme Court (Bagatz) enforces Basic Laws.

• Acts as the guardian of civil liberties and upholds judicial review.

• Plays a major role in interpreting laws within a constitutional framework.

  
  

5. Key Features of the Political System

• Parliamentary democracy with universal suffrage.

• Defined as a “Jewish and democratic state” – balancing religion and democracy.

• Coalition governments are common, influencing policy and stability.

6. Religion and State

• Jewish religious law governs personal status issues (e.g., marriage, divorce).

• Tension exists between religious influence and secular principles.

  
  

7. Civil Rights and Minorities

• All citizens, including minorities, are legally guaranteed equal rights.

• However, Arab-Jewish inequality and minority rights remain politically sensitive.

  
  

8. National Security

• Security is central to governance and policy making.

• The military holds significant influence in shaping national policy.

  
  

9. Constitutional Challenges

• Incomplete constitution due to lack of consensus.

• Ongoing debates over:

  • Religion vs. secularism

  • Civil rights vs. national security

  • Majority-minority relations

• Transition to a full constitution remains slow and uncertain.

Nature of Israel 

1. Establishment as a Jewish and Democratic State (1948)

   • Israel was founded in 1948 as a homeland for the Jewish people, following the Holocaust and the UN’s partition plan.

   • It identifies itself as both a Jewish state and a democracy, which influences its laws, policies, and identity.

2. Parliamentary Democracy and Knesset

   • Israel has a unicameral legislature known as the Knesset, consisting of 120 members.

   • Members are elected through a system of proportional representation, encouraging the participation of multiple political parties.

3. Coalition Governments

   • Due to the low electoral threshold and many small parties, no single party usually gains a majority, resulting in coalition governments.

   • This often leads to political instability and compromises in governance.

4. Jewish Identity in Law and Policy

   • The Law of Return grants automatic citizenship to Jews from anywhere in the world.

   • Jewish culture, traditions, and religious principles are given significant importance in policy making.

5. Arab Minority and Equal Rights Challenges

   • Arab citizens of Israel make up about 20% of the population.

   • Although legally granted equal rights, they often face social and political marginalization, raising issues of inequality and identity.

6. Security and Military Influence

   • National security is a central theme in Israeli politics due to ongoing threats from neighboring states and internal conflict.

   • The military plays a major role in shaping policies, and defense is a top priority.

7. Israel-Palestine Conflict

   • A major and continuing issue that affects domestic stability, human rights debates, and foreign policy.

   • This conflict has led to political polarization and influenced party agendas and public opinion.

8. Religious vs. Secular Divide

   • Deep divisions exist between religious Jews and secular citizens over laws related to marriage, education, and public life.

   • Religious political parties like Shas and United Torah Judaism often act as kingmakers in coalition governments.

9. Foreign Policy and Global Role

   • Israel maintains a close alliance with the United States, receiving diplomatic and military support.

   • Its position in the United Nations is often controversial, due to its policies in occupied territories.

     
     

Israeli Society System 

• Israeli society is diverse, multicultural, and dynamic, with Jews forming the majority population.

• Within the Jewish population, Ashkenazi Jews (European origin) have historically held social and political dominance.

• Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews (from North Africa and the Middle East) faced early discrimination but are now increasingly active in all sectors.

• Ethiopian Jews and Russian immigrants also contribute to Israel’s social fabric.

• Arab citizens, including Muslims, Christians, and Druze, make up around 20% of the population and legally have equal rights but face practical inequalities.

• Religion, especially Judaism, strongly influences Israel’s legal and cultural framework.

• There are ongoing tensions between religious and secular Jews, particularly in areas like marriage and personal laws.

• Minority religious communities manage personal issues through their own religious systems.

• Women have legal equality and participate in politics, the military, and public life, but gender inequality persists in religious communities.

• Immigration has added to cultural diversity but also brought challenges like resource distribution and integration.

• Urban areas show signs of modern development, while rural cooperative communities (kibbutz and moshav) reflect collectivist and socialist ideals.

• Education is free and compulsory, contributing to empowerment and awareness.

• Compulsory military service promotes national unity and social cohesion.

• Major challenges include divisions between Jewish and Arab citizens, religious-secular conflicts, and integration of immigrant groups.

• The Israel-Palestine conflict impacts the social system by increasing societal tensions and discrimination against minorities.

• Overall, Israel’s social system reflects its complex history, cultural diversity, and national identity, marked by both progress and ongoing challenges.

Economy of Israel

• Israel's economy is flexible, innovative, and diverse, making it a dynamic force in the Middle East.

• Despite limited natural resources and persistent security challenges, Israel’s economy has progressed significantly.

• The country transitioned from an agriculture-based economy to a high-tech, innovation-driven economy.

• Early economic stability came from agriculture and cooperative models like kibbutz and moshav.

• Israel developed advanced technologies like drip irrigation, improving agricultural productivity despite water scarcity.

• Economic reforms in the 1970s and 1980s, including privatization and financial stabilization, boosted Israel’s economy.

• The high-tech industry is the backbone of Israel’s economy, with the country being a leader in cybersecurity, biotechnology, software development, and defence technology.

• Israel is known as the “Startup Nation” due to its high number of startups per capita and strong innovation rankings.

• The defence industry, including advanced weapons and surveillance technologies, is a significant part of the economy.

• Israel’s major exports include electronics, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, and defence equipment.

• Its main trading partners are the US, the EU, and various Asian countries.

• The symbiotic relationship between society and economy highlights Israel’s social progress supporting economic development.

• Overall, Israel’s economy reflects its strategic foresight, scientific advancements, and resilience, making it a significant economic power in the Middle East and a global hub for innovation.

Israel’s Party System

• Early Dominance: The Israeli party system was initially dominated by the Mapai (Labor Party), led by David Ben-Gurion.

• Shift in 1977: The Likud Party's victory in 1977 marked the rise of right-wing parties, reflecting changes in Israeli society, especially concerning national security, economic liberalization, and religious identity.

• Secular vs. Religious Parties: The party system is divided between secular and religious parties:

  • Secular Parties: Focus on economic and security policies (e.g., Labor and Likud).

  • Religious Parties: Focus on Jewish laws, religious identity, and ultra-Orthodox community rights (e.g., Shas and Yahdut Hatorah).

• Arab Parties: Represent the rights of Arab citizens and Palestinian issues, though they often remain outside mainstream politics.

• Regional and Ethnic Divisions:

  • Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews (e.g., Shas) traditionally oppose Ashkenazi-dominated parties, adding to political polarization.

  • Russian and Ethiopian immigrant parties have gained importance in recent decades.

• Coalition Governments: Israel often forms multi-party coalition governments, where smaller parties hold significant influence. This leads to compromises but also policy instability.

• Changes in the Electoral System: Israel experimented with direct elections for prime minister in the 1990s, but this was abandoned due to its failure. The electoral threshold was raised to increase stability and reduce the number of small parties.

• Democratic Values: Despite instability, Israel’s party system maintains democratic values and reflects its multicultural, multiethnic society.

Major Political Parties of Israel

1. Likud Party

   • Right-wing party founded in 1973.

   • Focuses on security, economic liberalization, and Jewish identity.

   • Led by Benjamin Netanyahu, known for a tough stance on the Palestinian issue.

     
     

2. Avoda Party (Labor Party)

   • Left-wing party, key player since Israel's formation.

   • Emphasizes social justice, economic equality, and the Israel-Palestine peace process.

   • Successor to Mapai Party (founded by David Ben-Gurion).

     
     

3. Yesh Atid

   • Centrist party led by Yair Lapid.

   • Focuses on socio-economic reform, education, and secularism.

   • Appeals to citizens beyond traditional left-right divides.

     
     

4. Shas

   • Religious right-wing party representing Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews.

   • Aims to preserve Jewish traditions and religious laws.

   • Promotes religious education and social services.

     
     

5. United Torah Judaism (UTJ)

   • Ultra-Orthodox religious party representing Ashkenazi Jews.

   • Focuses on religious studies, Jewish law, and promoting a traditional lifestyle.

     
     

6. These major parties represent various ideologies, ethnic communities, and interests, shaping Israel’s policies and governance. Their competition and cooperation are central to the multi-party system in Israel.

Electoral System 

• Proportional Representation: Israel uses a proportional representation system, where seats in the Knesset (parliament) are allocated to political parties based on the percentage of votes they receive.

• No Geographical Constituencies: Unlike many countries, Israel is not divided into constituencies. The entire country functions as a single national constituency.

• Diversity of Representation: The system allows substantial representation for smaller parties, contributing to a multi-party and diverse political landscape.

• Coalition Governments: Due to the proportional system, coalition governments are necessary, often resulting in political instability and complex policymaking.

• Election Frequency: Elections are held every four years, but early elections are common due to the instability of coalition governments.

• Voting Process: Voters do not elect individual representatives directly. Instead, they vote for political parties. Each party submits a list of candidates, and seats are allocated based on the party’s vote share, according to the order of candidates on the list.

• Electoral Threshold: The electoral threshold is currently 3.25%, meaning only parties with at least this share of votes can gain representation in the Knesset.

• Diverse Political Participation: The electoral system reflects the diversity of Israeli society, including Jews, Arab citizens, religious and secular groups, immigrants, and minorities, ensuring broad political participation.

Challenges

• Influence of Small Parties: Small parties can have an outsized influence in coalition governments, which can hinder effective policy making.

• Regional and Ethnic Divisions: Political interests between secular and religious groups, Jews and Arab citizens, and immigrant communities often create tensions and complicate policymaking.

• Transparency and Technology: The electoral process is transparent and incorporates technology, ensuring fairness. The Election Commission oversees the entire process, from voter registration to vote counting.

• Security Considerations: Given external threats and cybersecurity challenges, there is a strong emphasis on the security of the electoral process.

Unitary Governance System

• Unitary System: Israel has a unitary system of governance, where the central government holds most of the power, and local governments have limited administrative responsibilities.

• Centralized Power: Due to Israel's small size and political context, centralized governance is considered more effective, with all major decisions, including security, economic reform, and foreign policy, made at the central level.

• Knesset: The Knesset (parliament) is the highest legislative body and the center of all political power. It is responsible for making laws, policies, and administrative decisions.

• Local Bodies: Local bodies like municipalities and regional councils exist but have limited autonomy. They operate under the central government’s policies, which can limit their ability to address local community needs.

• Speed and Efficiency: One advantage of the unitary system is rapid decision-making and policy implementation, especially in areas such as defense and security, where quick responses are crucial.

• Challenges: The lack of local representation in decision-making can result in the overlooking of regional diversities and the specific needs of various cultural, religious, and social groups.

• National Unity and Security: Centralized governance helps maintain national unity and ensures strong control over security and defense policies, which are particularly important given Israel’s geopolitical situation and external threats.

• Geopolitical Circumstances: The unitary system was adopted after Israel's independence in 1948 to ensure uniformity in policy implementation across the country, given the challenges it faced at the time.

• Community Development: While the central government holds most power, local administrations are still tasked with responsibilities like managing municipal services, education, and infrastructure, contributing to community development within the framework of national policies.

• Limitation in Addressing Local Needs: Despite its advantages, the unitary system can sometimes fail to address the diverse needs of local populations, as it prioritizes national governance over regional diversity.

Conclusion

• Israel does not have a formal constitution but uses Basic Laws to define its governmental structure, civil rights, and functions. These laws play a key role in shaping the country's democratic traditions.

• Israel is a Jewish majority state, but it is home to significant Arab, minority, and immigrant communities. While social diversity sometimes leads to tensions, it is an integral part of Israel's democratic structure.

• Israel’s economy is heavily focused on technology, innovation, agriculture, and military equipment manufacturing, earning it the title of the “Startup Nation” due to its cutting-edge industries and global competitiveness.

• Israel has a proportional representation system that ensures a multiparty democracy. Coalition governments are common, as no single party typically wins a majority. This system promotes political diversity but can challenge stability.

• Israel operates under a unitary system, where power is concentrated at the central level, in contrast to federal systems. Local bodies have limited autonomy but manage administrative tasks. This system is suited to Israel's needs as a small, security-focused state.