Israel's democratic, Jewish character
In 1985, Israel's High Court banned political parties that reject the conception of Israel as "the state of the Jewish People" in Israel or the diaspora.
That is, Israel is not the state of its citizens!
The meaning of this law was clarified when the High Court almost barred a small party from participating in the elections because its party program advocated Israel to be "the state of all of its citizens, Jewish and Arab, in the same degree", i.e. a state "without any advantages to the Jewish people as such" (Justice Levin). Another Justice (Elon) argued that "it is necessary to prevent a Jew or Arab who calls for equality of rights for Arabs from sitting in the Knesset or being elected to it."
Justice Levin further noted that the party intends "to act to realize equality in all aspects of life". These commitments, he concludes, "completely deny that the State of Israel is the State of the Jewish people."
Only technical grounds led to the rejection of the challenge.
That is, Israel is not the state of its citizens!
The meaning of this law was clarified when the High Court almost barred a small party from participating in the elections because its party program advocated Israel to be "the state of all of its citizens, Jewish and Arab, in the same degree", i.e. a state "without any advantages to the Jewish people as such" (Justice Levin). Another Justice (Elon) argued that "it is necessary to prevent a Jew or Arab who calls for equality of rights for Arabs from sitting in the Knesset or being elected to it."
Justice Levin further noted that the party intends "to act to realize equality in all aspects of life". These commitments, he concludes, "completely deny that the State of Israel is the State of the Jewish people."
Only technical grounds led to the rejection of the challenge.