In most countries both terms are synonymous. Israel, however, separates the two into distinct legal statuses. Citizenship ● ‘Israeli’ citizenship is available to all Jewish Nationals, even those who hold citizenship of another state. There is no such thing as ‘Jewish’ citizenship. ● Citizenship for non-Jews is governed by the Citizenship Law (1952). ● This law removed Palestinian nationality from all who remained inside Israel at the time of enactment. ● Israeli citizenship is available to non-Jews and their descendants present in Israel between 1948 – 1952. Citizenship obtained: Palestinian Citizens of Israel In practice Palestinian citizens of Israel are in an inferior position to their Jewish National counterparts ► Prevented from bringing spouses from either the OPT or Israeli-defined enemy states into Israel to live with them. ► Rights are more limited compared to the rights of Jewish Nationals. ► Subject to institutionalized discrimination E.g. Temporary Amendment to the Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law 2003 prevents residents of the OPT, who are married to Israeli citizens, from acquiring Israeli citizenship and residence permits. This does not apply to spouses of Jewish National-Israeli citizens – whether they are foreign or Jewish settler spouses from the OPT. Palestinian Gaza Strip ID holders Palestinian West Bank ID holders ► No right to enter Israel or West Bank. ► No right to enter Israel or Gaza. ► Treated in Israel as Security Prisoners, subject to Israeli criminal law. ► Subject to Israeli military law. Citizenship Not Available Those not within Israel or those present in territory controlled by Israeli-defined ‘enemy forces’ between those dates were precluded from obtaining citizenship. 1. This has resulted in approximately 5.7 million Palestinians being ineligible for citizenship becoming stateless. 2. Israel has refused to allow their return. 3. In addition the Prevention of Infiltration Law 1954 and Military Orders 1649 and 1650 provide that those Palestinians are prohibited from legally returning to Israel or the OPT. Palestinian East Jerusalem ID holders (permanent residents) Palestinian Refugees ► Limited right to reside in the West Bank or Gaza. ► Israel denies their absolute right to return to homes in breach of international law. ► Very limited civil and political rights. ► Many remain stateless and/or lack protection. 15