There is no contradiction between the fact that Israel has full personal equality of citizenship but extends national rights only to the Jewish people.

In this quote, Ayelet Shaked, an Israeli politician and former Minister of Justice, presents an explanation of the Israeli approach to citizenship and national rights. She argues that there is no inherent contradiction in Israel offering full personal equality of citizenship to all individuals, while at the same time extending national rights specifically to the Jewish people. Shaked is addressing a common point of contention regarding the treatment of non-Jewish citizens in Israel, particularly the Arab population, who hold citizenship but are not granted the same national rights as Jewish citizens.

Shaked’s statement reflects Israel’s unique political and legal structure, where national rights (such as the right to self-determination, the right to return to the country, and other aspects tied to Jewish identity) are reserved for Jewish people. This is based on the idea that Israel is the Jewish state, and its primary purpose is to serve as a homeland for Jews around the world, a principle enshrined in the Law of Return. However, she acknowledges that this focus on Jewish national rights does not negate the individual rights of non-Jewish citizens, who are guaranteed equality under Israeli law.

By claiming that there is no contradiction, Shaked is suggesting that citizenship and national rights are two distinct categories in Israeli law. Personal equality ensures that every citizen, regardless of ethnicity or religion, has access to the same legal rights and protections. However, national rights are seen as tied to the Jewish identity of the state, a feature that distinguishes Israel from other democracies, where national identity and citizenship are typically more inclusive of all residents.

Ultimately, Shaked’s quote highlights the complex nature of Israel’s identity as both a democratic state and a Jewish homeland. She defends the notion that these dual roles can coexist without undermining the principles of equality and justice for all individuals, even if they do not share the national identity of the majority. Her statement is an articulation of the political and ideological foundation that governs Israel’s laws, which seek to balance the rights of its citizens with the preservation of its Jewish character.