Last Updated on August 5, 2018
חוק הלאום – The Israel National State Bill of 2018
Israel’s basic National State Bill informally known as the Nation-State Bill or the Nationality Bill, comprises eleven clauses, as follows:
Basic Principles
This section enumerates three basic principles, namely, that the Land of Israel is the historical homeland of the Jewish people, in which the State of Israel was established; the State of Israel is the national home of the Jewish people, in which it fulfills its natural, cultural, religious and historical right to self-determination; and that the right to exercise national self-determination in the State of Israel is unique to the Jewish people.
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Symbols of the State
This section defines the name of the state as “Israel” and the various symbols of the State, with further details regarding the state symbols determined by specific laws:
- the flag of the State of Israel is white with two blue stripes near the edges and a blue Star of David in the center.
- the emblem of the state is a seven-branched menorah with olive leaves on both sides and the word “Israel” beneath it.
- the anthem of the state is Hatikvah.
Capital of the State
This section declares that Jerusalem, “complete and united”, is the capital of Israel.
Language
This section defines Hebrew as the official language of the State; it gives the Arabic language a special status in the state and specifies that regulations for the use of Arabic in state institutions or by them will be determined by specific law and that the status given to the Arabic language before this law came into effect will not be harmed.
Ingathering of the Exiles
This section declares that the State “will be open for Jewish immigration and the ingathering of exiles.”
Connection to the Jewish people
This section enumerates three principles that the State of Israel will strive for with regards to the Jewish people:
- ensure the safety of the members of the Jewish people in trouble or in captivity due to their Jewishness or their citizenship.
- act within the Diaspora to strengthen the affinity between the State and members of the Jewish people.
- act to preserve the cultural, historical and religious heritage of the Jewish people among Jews in the Diaspora.
Jewish Settlement
This section declares that the State views the development of Jewish settlements as a national value and will act to encourage and promote its establishment and consolidation of such settlements.
Official Calendar
This sections declares that the Hebrew calendar is the official calendar of the State and that the Gregorian calendar will be used along with the Hebrew calendar as an official calendar; use of the calendars will be determined further by law.
Independence Day and Memorial Days
This section defines the official holidays of the State, namely, Independence Day as the official national holiday and the Memorial Day for the Fallen in Israel’s Wars and Terrorist Events and Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day as official memorial days of the State.
Days of Rest and Sabbath
This section defines the Sabbath and the Jewish holidays as the established days of rest in the state; it ensures the right of non-Jews to maintain days of rest on their Sabbaths and festivals; and further details to be determined by applicable law.
Immutability
This section provides that this Basic Law will not be amended, unless by another Basic Law passed by a majority of Knesset members.
