Review article

Israel - A Jewish and Democratic State

Stjepan Vukas

Abstract

The article deals with the declared democratic character of the State of Israel and compares it with the real state of affairs. The contradiction present in the definition of Israel as “Jewish and democratic” has from its very beginning created certain characteristics of the State that are hardly comparable with western liberal democracy. Israel is striving to present itself as such despite the obvious adverse position of the Arab minority, comprising around 20 per cent of the population. This position of the Israeli Arabs reflects itself not only on the status of the minority, but also on the entire geopolitical situation in Israel and the West Bank as well. The status of the Palestinians in Israel can be deducted from the everyday political practice as well as from the fundamental documents and legislation of the State of Israel. The segregation of population according to religion makes for an invisible wall within the Israeli society.

Keywords

State of Israel; democracy; Arab minority; population; legislation

Hrčak ID:

103298

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/103298

Publication date:

15.4.2013.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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