Shari‘a under Challenge: The Political History of Islamic Legal Institutions in Israel

This article examines the evolving relationship between Israel and the legal institutions of its Muslim minority since 1948. The Israeli case study demonstrates how, over the long run, an inherently conflictual relationship between a non-Muslim state and its Muslim minority can evolve into a mutual “agreement on how to disagree.” This article integrates recently declassified archival materials with court decisions in order to challenge the dominant interpretation that emphasizes conflict between Israel and its Muslim citizens.