The relationship between religion and politics in Israel is complex and multifaceted. Israel is defined as a Jewish state, and this identity is deeply intertwined with its political structure and societal norms
.The majority of Israeli adults are Jewish (81%), with the remainder being mostly ethnically Arab and religiously Muslim (14%), Christian (2%), and others. There are significant divisions not only between Jews and Arabs but also among the major subgroups of Israeli Jews.Religion plays a significant role in the political landscape of Israel. The term "Jewish" denotes both a religion and an ethnicity, and for the past seventy years, Israel's leaders have had to deal with a host of issues regarding religion's role in life and politics. The Orthodox stream of Judaism was given a monopoly in Israel, which has allowed the creation of parallel religious school systems and exempted religious scholars from certain obligations.Religious parties have come to play a prominent role in Israeli politics, with the two main streams of Orthodox Judaism - the Orthodox Zionists and the Ultra-Orthodox - having significant influence. However, there is also a counter-pressure by a number of Israeli political parties that have secular orientations.Despite the significant role of religion, there is a divide in the perception of the relationship between religion and state. Six-in-ten Israeli Jews believe religion should be kept separate from government policies, while roughly a third (36%) say government policies should promote religious beliefs and values.The relationship between religion and politics also extends to the Arab minority in Israel. Over the years, a debate has taken place between Islamists who advocate for a greater role of religion in politics and others who are either Palestinian-Arab nationalist or Marxist.In conclusion, the relationship between religion and politics in Israel is characterized by a complex interplay of religious identity, political ideology, and societal norms. While religion plays a significant role in the political landscape, there are ongoing debates and differing views on the extent and nature of this relationship.
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