Israeli-Arabs
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About 20 percent of Israel's population of 6.3 million citizens are Israeli-Arabs. Unlike the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, this Arab population has Israeli citizenship. Thus they vote in Israeli elections and can serve in the Knesset.
The Arab sector includes several different groups, including Muslim Arabs, Bedouin and Druze.
Although Israeli-Arabs are citizens with equal rights, like minorities in other countries, they do suffer from some discrimination.
The only legal distinction between Arab and Jewish citizens of Israel is one of civic duty, not one of rights. Thus, Arab citizens have been exempted from compulsory service in the Israel Defense Forces, but some volunteer, particularly among the Druze and Bedouin.
Most Israeli-Arabs have chosen to maintain their distinct identity and not assimilate into the Jewish state. Thus, the Arab communities speak Arabic, operate a separate school system and maintain their own religious courts on personal status issues.
