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The Nation-State Law and the Weakening of Israeli Democracy
- Israel Studies
- Indiana University Press
- Volume 25, Number 3, Fall 2020
- pp. 185-200
- 10.2979/israelstudies.25.3.16
- Article
- Additional Information
ABSTRACT:
The article argues that the significance of the Nation-State Law is not merely symbolic but substantive as well, and may exert a long-term influence on Arab-Jewish relations in Israel and on the future of the West Bank. The authors provide a broad historical and political perspective on the Law, tracing what they view as Israel's transition from semi-liberal democracy to illiberal, majoritarian democracy that resembles a widespread global trend. The authors conclude that the 2018 Law reinforces majoritarian elements within the polity while it weakens Israel's liberal-democratic claims. The article warns against the implications of the Law in both domestic and foreign policy.