The intersection of identity politics and religious influence

This research investigates the intersection of religion and politics in Israel through the lens of social identity theory, focusing on the Ultra-Orthodox community as a critical player in identity politics. It reveals that conflict is a defining feature of Israeli politics, with various parties leveraging it to gain political advantage. It underscores the unique nature of Israel's political landscape, suggesting that while it may be considered a liberal democracy, it falls short of a secular democracy due to the entrenched role of religious and political parties and the lack of clear separation between state and religion. Social identity theory posits that personal and collective identities are significantly shaped by religious affiliations, impacting individuals' roles, self-perception, and society. The Ultra-Orthodox, a minority within the predominantly secular Jewish population, engages in a complex identity struggle that fuels persistent political debate. Despite their relatively small size, the community exerts substantial political power through support for specialized ultra-Orthodox parties, which command notable representation in the government. Integrating the sector into broader Israeli society has been a focal point of political contention, particularly regarding exemptions from mandatory military service. This issue has contributed to political instability, evidenced by frequent elections and difficulties forming a stable government. The paper forecasts that the enduring social, political, and religious conflicts that have characterized Israel since its formation will continue, reflecting various political factions' diverse aspirations and interests, and the persistent nature of these conflicts is a testament to their endurance. A key issue under debate is the exemption of young Ultra-Orthodox men from military service in favor of studying Torah, funded by government salaries. This controversy has sparked significant political conflict, with secular groups linking low employment rates among Ultra-Orthodox men to their minimal military service. The research concludes that the divide between secular and ultra-politics and biased portrayals often overshadow substantive discussions on cultural and religious issues. Orthodox communities are likely to widen, driven by entrenched social and political interests that perpetuate existing divisions, and the potential widening of this divide is a serious concern.