Jewish and democratic state

"Jewish and democratic state" is the Israeli legal definition of the nature and character of the State of Israel. The "Jewish" nature was first defined within the Declaration of Independence of 1948 (see Jewish state and Jewish homeland). The "Democratic" character was first officially added in the amendment to the Basic Law: the Knesset that was passed in 1985 (amendment 9, clause 7A).

Numerous scholars and political observers have debated the definition, particularly whether the terms are contradictory or complementary.

According to the Israel Democracy Institute, three quarters of Israeli Jews "believe that the State of Israel can be both Jewish and democratic", whereas two thirds of Israeli Arabs do not believe that such a combination is possible.

The Israeli Declaration of Independence identifies Israel as a "Jewish State," hence, a state that is influenced by its affinity towards the Jewish heritage and Tradition. These characteristics were codified in the Emblem of Israel, the Flag of Israel, as well as its official institutions such as the Religious Services Ministry, as well as the status of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, and in its legislations such as the Law of Return, Israeli nationality law, and the Status of the World Zionist Organization - Jewish Agency for Israel law. While a constitution was to "be adopted ... not later than the 1st October 1948." no such document has been passed by Israel's legislature.

...
Wikipedia