A Word from the Guest Editor: Politics and Religion in Israel.

This document explores the relationship between politics and religion in Israel. It discusses how Zionism, while attempting to distance itself from traditional Jewish religious life, could not completely separate itself from Judaism. The document highlights the privileged status of Judaism and religiously Orthodox political parties within the Zionist movement and the State of Israel. It also examines the theological dilemma faced by Orthodox Jews with the emergence of Zionism as a secular political movement. The document concludes by discussing the different responses of Orthodox groups and rabbinic authorities to this dilemma, ranging from pragmatic accommodationism to principled rejectionism. Additionally, it discusses the role of religion in Israel's public life, including the status quo letter that established religious arrangements in the country. The document explores the intersection of religion and politics, such as the differences between pragmatic and principled Haredi rejections of Zionism and the role of religiosity in Mizrahi politics. It also examines the challenges faced by Muslim women in Israel and their struggle for improved status. The document acknowledges the close interweaving of politics and religion in Israel and its impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. [Extracted from the article]