Religious-Secular Divide Grows in Israel as Netanyahu Government Pushes Religious Reforms
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Tensions between secular and religious Israelis have escalated in recent months as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has moved forward with a series of religious reforms.
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The most controversial of these reforms is a plan to give the Chief Rabbinate exclusive control over conversions to Judaism in Israel. Currently, conversions performed by non-Orthodox rabbis are recognized by the state, but the new law would change that. This has sparked outrage among secular Israelis, who see it as an attack on their religious freedom.
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Another contentious issue is the government's plan to expand funding for religious schools. These schools, which are often run by ultra-Orthodox rabbis, have been criticized for failing to provide students with a well-rounded education. Secular Israelis fear that increased funding for these schools will lead to a decline in the quality of education for all Israeli children.
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The religious-secular divide in Israel has been growing for years, but it has reached a new level of intensity under Netanyahu's government. The Prime Minister's close relationship with ultra-Orthodox parties has led many secular Israelis to believe that their rights are being eroded. If the government continues to push forward with its religious agenda, it could further deepen the divide between religious and secular Israelis.
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