Exploring the Political Spectrum of Israeli Jews: Conservative or Liberal?

The perception of whether Israeli Jews are more conservative or liberal can vary widely depending on the lens through which one views Israeli society and politics. With a population of approximately seven million, the diversity within the Jewish community in Israel is vast and complex. Recent election results have suggested a tilt towards conservatism, but this is influenced heavily by the historical and current geopolitical context. Moreover, the terms 'conservative' and 'liberal' are less useful in the Israeli context, as the cleavage in society is more accurately described by the division between religiosity and secularism.

Understanding Political Divisions in Israel

The primary political divide in Israel is not between 'left' and 'right' as it is in many Western countries, but rather by strategic and military interests. Social and economic differences are less prominent in relation to these strategic debates, which often involve security and defense considerations.

Social Division: Religiosity vs. Secularism

In Israel, the key social divide is between those who are religious and those who are secular. This division is different from the American 'conservative' and 'liberal' models. While there are overlapping elements, the terms do not fully capture the nuances of Israeli society. For instance, in the U.S., political labels are often defined by economic and social issues, but in Israel, these labels are more about religious practices and beliefs.

Regional and Comparative Perspectives

Comparing Israeli Jews to people in other countries can be challenging. As with any country, Israel's political spectrum varies not only within its internal community but also according to context. For example, comparing Israelis to American Jews or German Jews reveals distinct differences, primarily due to historical, cultural, and social factors.

Geopolitical Influences

Israel's relationship with Palestinians plays a significant role in determining political leanings. When Palestinians launch attacks, there is a natural shift towards a more conservative stance. This is a different dynamic from the one observed in many liberal democracies.

Policy and Political Definitions

Each individual may have their own definition of conservatism and liberalism. Personally, I define conservatism in the context of Israel as a growing trend towards traditional values and a stronger emphasis on national security and defense. However, this does not mean that all aspects of policy align with American or European conservative norms.

While Tel-Aviv and Haifa are known for their liberal tendencies, the rest of Israel shows a distinct conservative inclination. It is important to note that 'liberal' and 'conservative' are relative terms. For instance, when comparing the Israeli political landscape to that of the U.S., it is more accurate to say that Israel has become less liberal overall, as seen in the increasing influence of the settler movement.

Government and Social Policies

Despite the conservative shift, many Israelis still trust their government for essential services such as healthcare and pensions. Israel also has stringent gun control laws and allows legal abortion, characteristics that might surprise those who see Israel as uniformly right-wing.

Conclusion

Understanding the political spectrum of Israeli Jews requires a nuanced approach that takes into account historical, cultural, and social contexts. While there are trends towards more conservative stances, generalizing Israeli Jewry as either uniformly liberal or conservative overlooks the complexity and diversity within the community.