ABSTRACT
Israeli society operates in an atmosphere of contradictions on human rights. This chapter deals with the topic of human rights within Israel. It focuses on the issues in the territories. The chapter also focuses on a number of other issues in the structure and functioning of Israeli society that have important implications for human rights. Israel will provide a brief review of: national history and governance, the nature of democracy in Israel, human rights legislation and policy, human rights in practice, and the international record and organizations supporting human rights activities. The chapter considers three major human/civil rights issues facing the country, now and in the future. Within a general context of positive support for and protection of human rights in Israel, three social issue areas are of particular interest and controversy. These are: issues of religion within the Jewish community; minority rights; and gender issues— women’s rights.
