A Zionist coalition? Israel’s founders envisioned something broader

As Israel approaches its October elections, the concept of a "Zionist coalition" is gaining traction, particularly among political factions on the Right. This term raises questions about the state's core identity and the intentions of its founders.

Israel's Declaration of Independence, a document that has inspired many, outlines a vision for a state that would be "for the benefit of all its inhabitants." It pledged "complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex" and guaranteed freedoms of religion, conscience, language, education, and culture. The declaration also promised a constitution, to be adopted by a constituent assembly by October 1, 1948, which has yet to be written.

Historically, Zionism has encompassed a wide spectrum of ideologies, often leading to disagreements on the state's boundaries, citizenship, and the interpretation of its foundational principles. The current debate over a "Zionist coalition" often implies an alliance exclusively of Jews, a notion that directly conflicts with the declaration's promise of equality for all residents.

This tension is further highlighted by the "Israel – the Nation State of the Jewish People" law, enacted in May 2022. This law, intended to be part of Israel's future constitution, states that "the realization of the right to national self-determination is exclusive to the Jewish People." Supporters of this law argue it defines the state's character, while critics contend it undermines the foundational promise of a state that benefits all its citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic background.